PIAS ITB Learned Sanitation Technology Through Study Tour to Japan

Bandung, gsgs-ina.itb.ac.id – The Global Sanitation Graduate School (GSGS) programme of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) held another study tour. This time visiting Japan in a series of activities held for one week on 8 – 14 July 2024. 

Not only GSGS students who participated in this activity, four students of the Master of Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Management (PIAS) ITB also participated. Thus, it was attended by a total of 9 master program students, with two accompanying lecturers namely Prof. Prayatni Soewondo, and Dr. Andri Gumilar. 

The implementation of the study tour aims to provide a means of learning to students about the development of sanitation technology in Japan. Students specifically visited the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) to study ‘Jokasou’, a small-scale wastewater treatment technology. In addition, students also visited various world-leading universities in Japan, such as the University of Tokyo, and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT). 

Visits were also made to water treatment facilities, and the Rainbow Sewerage Museum in Tokyo. To learn more about Japanese culture, students also visited various tourist attractions, such as Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street in Asakusa.

One of the study tour participants, Anggita Laksmi, expressed her impression of participating in this study tour. 

“This study tour to Japan, although short, really provided an extraordinary experience. We got a valuable opportunity to learn first-hand about the latest research and sanitation management systems in Japan, especially the well-integrated and efficient wastewater pipeline system. This not only opened our minds about the importance of holistic sanitation management, but also provided real inspiration to be applied in the future,” she said. 

GSGS ITB has conducted a study tour in 2023 to Thailand. This year’s visit to Japan is the second study tour. Hopefully, this activity can be maintained in the future.