My name is Abdul Baits Dehana Padma Swastika from Indonesia, and I had the opportunity to participate in the Sakura Science Program (SSP) at Kobe University, Japan, together with fellow students from Sri Lanka and Thailand in 2017. The program provided a valuable environment for cross-cultural learning and scientific exchange, allowing us to explore Japan’s research ecosystem while building meaningful connections with international peers.

One of the most memorable aspects of SSP was the opportunity to collaborate with participants from different countries who shared similar interests in science, technology, and innovation. These interactions broadened my perspective on how international collaboration can contribute to solving shared global challenges and encouraged me to continue engaging in cross-border initiatives.

After my SSP experience, I remained actively involved in the alumni network and later served as the President of the Sakura Alumni Association in Indonesia (SAAI) from December 2022 to December 2025. During my tenure, we organized alumni meetings, networking events, and collaborative activities aimed at strengthening the connection among SSP alumni in Indonesia. These initiatives were designed to maintain the spirit of the program by encouraging knowledge exchange, collaboration, and community building among alumni.

Another meaningful experience following SSP was participating in the Sakura Social Innovation Challenge, a collaborative program between the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Gaiax Ltd., Japan. Through this initiative, I had the opportunity to return to Japan and work with an international team to develop solutions addressing shared social challenges between Indonesia and Japan. Our project explored ways to connect youth unemployment in Indonesia with Japan’s aging population and growing demand for workforce, through engagement with stakeholders and organizations in both countries.

Currently, I work with the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), where I contribute to research and advocacy related to air quality and clean energy transitions. Looking ahead, I hope to continue promoting collaboration between Indonesia and Japan, particularly in areas of innovation, sustainability, and youth empowerment. I believe that the SSP alumni network plays an important role as a bridge connecting talents, ideas, and opportunities across countries.

For me, the Sakura Science Program was not just a short-term exchange—it was the beginning of a long-term journey of collaboration, friendship, and shared learning across borders.