Through the EQUITY - World Class University (WCU) Outbound Exchange Program, Nabil and Chantika had the opportunity to deepen their research in the geospatial field, particularly on monitoring earth surface changes and tsunami risk assessment. This program, a collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology and ITB, also provided students with direct experience in discussing, developing research, and building academic networks within an overseas partner university.

Preparation for the Outbound Exchange Program

Nabil and Chantika’s participation in the program was based on the recommendation of the Head of the Master’s Program in Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering at ITB, Dr. Irwan Gumilar. After receiving the opportunity, both students prepared their academic and administrative requirements, including research plans, discussions with their supervisors, as well as passport, student visa, and insurance arrangements.

During their stay at Chiba University, they took part in academic and research activities at the Josaphat Microwave Remote Sensing Laboratory (JMRSL) under the supervision of Prof. Josaphat Tetuko Sri Sumantyo. For Nabil, the activities were not limited to supervision, but also involved research collaboration through discussions on methods, data processing, result interpretation, and research development.

“During the outbound exchange program in Japan, I involved my independent research with lecturers and researchers in the laboratory. So, it was more like a research collaboration. I also discussed methods, data processing, result interpretation, and the development of my ongoing research with colleagues at Prof. Josaphat’s laboratory,” said Nabil.

Research on Monitoring Earth Surface Changes Using InSAR

Nabil’s research focuses on monitoring earth surface changes using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), a satellite radar technology that can detect earth surface displacement in great detail, even at the millimeter scale.

In his research, Nabil identified earth surface changes on Sumatra Island using Sentinel-1 data. According to him, geodetic studies in Sumatra have so far relied more on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), while InSAR-based information remains relatively limited. Therefore, InSAR is expected to provide a broader overview of earth surface changes, such as land subsidence, land uplift, fault activity, volcanic activity, and changes caused by human activities.

“What was interesting about conducting research in Japan was that I could learn directly from a research group that actively develops and applies InSAR for monitoring deformation at regional and national scales. Through this activity, I gained experience in designing research, validating results, and preparing scientific publications,” he said.

In addition to conducting research, Nabil also joined weekly discussions with members of the research group to present his research progress, receive feedback, and learn from various research topics being developed in the laboratory.

Tsunami Risk Assessment in Coastal Areas

Meanwhile, Chantika used the outbound exchange program to receive guidance and input on her research concerning tsunami risk in South Lampung. The coastal area, which directly faces the Sunda Strait, has a high level of vulnerability because it has previously been affected by tsunamis triggered by volcanic and tectonic activities.

During her stay in Japan, Chantika discussed approaches to identifying tsunami risk by integrating aspects of hazard, regional and community vulnerability, as well as community capacity in facing disasters.

“During the outbound exchange program in Japan, I used this opportunity to receive guidance and input related to the research I am currently working on. This activity was carried out through academic consultations and discussions with lecturers and researchers at the Josaphat Microwave Remote Sensing Laboratory (JMRSL),” said Chantika.

Through these discussions, Chantika gained insights into the use of geospatial data for tsunami risk mapping, techniques for evaluating analysis results, and ways to present risk information to support more effective disaster mitigation planning.

“Through this experience, I not only deepened my understanding of tsunami risk, but also gained new insights into a systematic, collaborative, and problem-oriented research process,” she said.

Differences in Academic Culture and Adaptation Challenges

During the exchange program, Nabil noticed differences in academic culture between Chiba University and ITB. According to him, Chiba University places greater emphasis on independence in research, while learning at ITB tends to be more structured through lectures, assignments, and academic supervision.

“Compared to ITB, at Chiba University I felt that the system placed more emphasis on independence, especially in research. We are expected to be more active in developing our own research with guidance from the supervisor,” he said.

In addition to academic adaptation, Nabil also faced language barriers in daily life. To overcome this, he used translation applications and learned several basic Japanese phrases. Meanwhile, Chantika adapted to Japanese culture, particularly in terms of punctuality, orderliness, cleanliness, and environmental responsibility.

“To adapt, I tried to be more open to a new culture, observe the habits of local communities, and follow the rules,” said Chantika.

Interaction and Benefits of the Program at Chiba University

During the exchange program, Nabil and Chantika gained valuable experience through interactions with lecturers, researchers, and students at Chiba University. According to Nabil, Prof. Josaphat was open to discussions, provided technical guidance, and encouraged students to think critically and creatively in developing their research.

“One thing I remember most is that he often emphasized the importance of originality in research,” said Nabil.

The collaborative laboratory atmosphere also provided both students with opportunities to learn from undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students with various research backgrounds. For Chantika, the experience not only broadened her academic perspective, but also helped shape discipline, focus, and independence in carrying out research.

“This program provided a new perspective on global academic standards and research culture,” said Chantika.

She also encouraged ITB students not to hesitate to join exchange programs, prepare their academic and English skills, and remain open to new cultures.

“Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, because through that experience, we can learn many things that may not be obtained in the classroom,” she said.

Reporter: Merryta Kusumawati (Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering, 2025)