Sakura Science: Japan's Endeavor to Expand Its Horizon

Sakura Science has invited students from different countries to visit and study science briefly, allowing them to learn more about Japan's technology and culture. Several institutions in Japan- including research institutes and local government- were involved. In cooperation with the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Chuo University, the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering in ITB participated in this program for the first time in 2015.

On 8 – 14 January 2023, ten environmental engineering students of the 2019 batch joined the Sakura Science program, accompanied by Dr. Herto Dwi Ariesyady, S.T., M.T. Like the 2015 student exchange, ITB partnered up with the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Chuo University at the Korakuen Campus – Tokyo.

The program's main theme was water resources management, ranging from river/rainwater management, clean water supply systems, as well as wastewater and mud treatment.

The exchange program started with an introduction to the programs and academic activities at Chuo University, followed by lectures on water management and utilization of membrane technology for water treatment in Japan. Participants also visited laboratories at Korakuen Campus to learn about utilizing advanced and modern research equipment.

After finishing in-campus activities, the program continued with field trips to some water management study sites: Tokyo Waterworks Historical Museum, Southern Tokyo Sludge Treatment Plant, Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, Yamba Dam, and Yoshimi Drinking Water Treatment Plan.

This program also held discussion forums between ITB and Chuo University students regarding the difference between water management systems in Indonesia and Japan. In the discussion, participants identified and evaluated the water management problems in their respective countries. They then formulated recommendations to handle the issues and developed the current water management system based on their experience from the field trips. After that, the result of the discussion was presented to the lecturers and other students.

Expectations of the Sakura Science Program

Through the Sakura Science program activities, students can better understand water resource management concerns and find the best solution to improve it through the utilization of the latest technology, both in Japan and Indonesia.

Students hope to have the spirit of collaboration in solving environmental issues as they need combined efforts from many scientific fields, countries, and cultures. People do not need a 'superman'; instead, they need a 'superteam' to solve these matters to achieve environmental sustainability. The environment should always be protected, not only for this generation but also for future generations.

Reporter: Hasna Khadijah (Environmental Engineering, 2019) and Herto Dwi Ariesyady
Translator: Favian Aldilla R (Civil Engineering, 2019)