Activity Report of Open Application Course vol.19
Training and exchange with students from the University of Brawijaya (Indonesia)
Report from the Interdisciplinary Centre for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi
As part of the SAKURA Exchange Program in Science, a group of students and faculty members from the Univ. of Brawijaya (Indonesia) visited the Interdisciplinary Centre for River Basin Environment (ICRE) at the Univ. of Yamanashi for a program running from November 20 to 29. At the ICRE, the group was trained in advanced technology for river basin management.
First, the group received training on how to use the BTOPMC rainfall-runoff model (program for predicting the amount of rainfall-runoff based on precipitation information) developed by the Univ. of Yamanashi. The group started by learning about the mechanism used for the rainfall-runoff model. Next, they measured rainfall-runoff in Indonesia by using the satellite remote sensing data and rainfall measurement data. They also compared the simulation results with actual observed amount of runoff. Based on their acquisition of knowledge and technology, the group will be able to apply the rainfall-runoff model to rivers which they manage after returning to Indonesia.
Next, the group toured traditional river basin management facilities (manmade river banks called shingen-tsutsumi and restraining forests called manriki-bayashi) in Yamanashi. Participants listened to a detailed explanation on why the Japanese man Takeda Shingen constructed these facilities nearly 400 years ago. Even today, much can be learned from these facilities. The group also visited the Mt. Fuji Radar Dome Museum to learn about radar that has protected Japan from typhoons for many years. They also viewed numerous educational exhibits on science at the Yamanashi Prefectural Science Center.
Next, after receiving a lecture on torrential rain disasters in Japan and efforts to reduce related damages, students held a group discussion on the form of overall river basin management in Indonesia. Through a discussion using the KJ method and brainstorming, the group learned how to efficiently summarize a large number of ideas.
Next, the group underwent training on water quality inspection. Students analyzed several water samples by using numerous methods ranging from simplified water inspection kits to high-level isotope analysis. In addition to the themes of flooding and drought, the group learned the importance of water quality for environmentally-friendly river management.
Lastly, a presentation was held on results obtained during the training. The presentation was followed by an exchange of opinions with Japanese students who had served as teaching assistants during the program. For students from the Univ. of Yamanashi, it was an outstanding opportunity to practice communicating in English and to experience how people think in difference countries.
The program was a huge success in deepening exchange between the Univ. of Brawijaya and the Univ. of Yamanashi. We look forward to the growth of joint research between the two schools in the future.
