IPB–Thai Institute of Technology–Laos University Boosted Collaboration on Geophysics and Meteorology

Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) is a well-known Indonesian University notably focusing on agriculture, marine, and natural sciences. In its action to enhance excellence in the academic and research fields, IPB initiated collaboration in the academic areas, research and collaboration with universities and research institutions at both international and regional levels, especially with member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). IPB Department of Geophysics and Meteorology (GFM), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, specialized in the field of climate and its application, supported IPB programs by initiating collaboration with universities in Laos and Thailand. The initiation of this cooperation was carried out in the form of research cooperation, student exchanges and teaching staff, including the launch of the formation of programs, both in the form of joint and double degrees. Dr. Rahmat Hidayat, the Head of the Department of Geophysics and Meteorology at IPB and Team Leader, visited the University of Laos (NUoL) to initiate cooperation on last February 5-10th, 2019. He considered that collaboration among universities in Southeast Asia is essential to improve the ability of Asian countries, especially Southeast Asia, to compete in the world and prepare young people to face global challenges. As stated by the distinguished Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanda Vongsombath, Deputy Dean of the NUoL Faculty of Environmental Sciences, that the department is ready and support all forms of cooperation that provide a win-win solution in education and research. Collaboration can be carried out in several stages with short-term and long-term goals. Long-term academic collaboration, starting by identifying the needs and availability of facilities to support the sustainability of cooperation. Also, GFM-IPB also initiated cooperation with the Thai Institute of Technology (AIT), specifically the Water Engineering and Management (WEM) study program. Dr. Sangam Shrestha, the Head of the Program, welcomed the initiation of the collaboration. AIT has experience in collaborating with universities and research institutions in Indonesia. Thus, a partnership with IPB will further strengthen AIT’s relationship with Indonesian universities. Was also present Prof. Mukand S. Babel, a permanent professor at WEM – AIT who also provided several alternative forms of cooperation that can be initiated in the near or long term. The IPB team, consisting of the Head of the GFM Department and two other staff members, (Dr. Muh Taufik and Dr. I Putu Santikayasa) also visited the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) for Africa and Asia in Bangkok. In discussion with Anshul Agarwal, Ph.D., Senior Hydrologist, RIMES and GFM, they had similar fields, especially climate disaster and water resources.