Joining the Sakura Science Program, Ten Students of IPB University Fly to the Country of Sakura
Ten students from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (SIL), Faculty of Agricultural Technology, IPB University participated in the Sakura Exchange Program in Science or better known as the Sakura Science Program, on August 19-25. This program is a student exchange program from several developing countries to Japan with the aim of introducing and providing experience related to the development of science and technology in Japan. This activity is expected to strengthen relations between Japan and participating countries and promote the Japanese education and research system. This activity was also attended by one assistant lecturer, Dr. Eng. Heriansyah Putra.
The series of program activities begins with a welcome lunch party held at the Rock Mechanics Laboratory. On this occasion, Sakura Science participants were also accompanied by the Chairperson of the SIL Department, Dr. Ir. Nora H. Pandjaitan, DEA who also visited Ehime University in the framework of discussions of SIL IPB and CEE Ehime University. The delegation of SIL IPB was welcomed by Prof. Hideaki Yasuhara, Prof. Naoki Kinoshita and several of her students, both undergraduate, master's and doctoral students.
On the following day, participants of the Sakura Science Program made preparations and made soil samples for the Soil Tower Contest. This activity is a simple race, where students are divided into teams and each team is asked to design appropriate biogrouting composition materials to increase soil strength. Biogrouting is one method that uses the principle of calcite precipitation to strengthen the soil and prevent liquefaction.
This program also provides experience to SIL IPB University students about the technical and operation of oil storage refineries. SIL IPB University students have the opportunity to take a fieldtrip to PT. Taiyo Oil Company located in Imabari City, Ehime Perfecture.
The series of Sakura Science Program activities this time was closed with a Completion Ceremony that took place on Friday, August 23, 2019. The event began with the awarding of a certificate and a Sakura Science Member pin to each participant, giving souvenirs from SIL IPB to Prof. Hideaki Yasuhara and ending with a group photo. Prof. Hideaki hoped that the participants could enjoy this brief experience and be able to return to Japan to further their master's education. In addition, Prof. Hideaki hopes that this activity can continue every year.
In addition to participating in a series of activities on campus, Sakura Science Program participants also had the opportunity to take a City Tour to visit several tourist destinations in Matsuyama City, such as Sogo Koen, Dogo, Ookaido and Matsuyama Castle. (RYS)
