This activity is part of a joint collaboration among the countries in the PARE (Populations, Activities, Resources, and Environments) consortium for sustainable resource management. The consortium members, representing their countries, include Hokkaido University (Japan); Kasetsart University, Chulalongkorn University, and Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (Thailand); as well as Institut Pertanian Bogor, Universitas Gajah Mada, and ITB (Indonesia).

There were various discussions held at both ITB Jatinangor Campus as well as ITB Ganesha Campus covering topics such as integrated water resource management, sustainability concepts and sustainable development goals, stormwater storage management, sustainable forest management, renewable energy, agricultural factors in water management, geographical information systems and spatial analysis, and geological factors in water management. Speakers for this event included lecturers from ITB, Thammasat University, Hokkaido University, IPB University, and UGM.

In addition, participants visited various locations for field study visits, including the Mount Geulis forest, Kampung Naga, Kampung Wisata Ciherang, and the Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant.

PARE Spring School 2024's Organizing Committee Chairman, Prof. Dr. Herto Dwi Ariesyady, S.T., M.T., stated that PARE was initially established through the initiative of Hokkaido University, Japan. This event serves as a platform for students and academicians from various countries to collaborate in finding solutions to complex challenges within the scope of PARE.

"They (Hokkaido University) wanted graduates to have a better understanding about environmental knowledge," said Prof. Herto Dwi Ariesyady.

At PARE Spring School 2024, 40 participants from various consortium member universities gathered to share their knowledge and experience in overcoming challenges related to population, activities, resources, and environmental management.

Not only do they receive lectures from experts, but participants are also expected to collaborate in analyzing solutions to various environmental problems. Prof. Herto hopes that participants, who will become future leaders, will continue to collaborate, especially in fields related to environmental issues.

"This is an educational program. This program aims to prepare graduates to address sustainability issues, particularly those related to environmental management based on limited resources and population growth, "he said.

The opening of PARE Spring School 2024 took place at KOICA Multipurpose Hall, ITB Jatinangor Campus. During the event, ITB’s Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jaka Sembiring, M.Eng., delivered a welcoming speech to the participants. He said that international cooperation is important in maintaining resource sustainability and expressed appreciation for the organizing committee's dedication to run the event. PARE Spring School 2024 at ITB is not merely an exchange of knowledge but also a significant step in strengthening cross-country collaboration networks. It is hoped that this collaboration will have a positive impact on efforts in managing sustainable resources in the upcoming future.

Reporter:  Ayesha Lativa Mafaza (Post Harvest Technology, 2021)
Translator: Kezia Hosana
Editor: Sherina Wijaya (Geological Engineering, 2019)