On January 27-February 2, 2020, 10 students from Universitas Brawijaya, 5 students each from the Civil Engineering Department and 5 students from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning consisting of undergraduate and postgraduate students and 5 students from Riau University participated in the Sakura Science Program held by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, at Miyazaki University, Japan. This activity has the theme Understanding of Tsunami Phenomenon With Numerical Simulation and Experiment. The accompanying lecturer in this activity was Dr.Eng.Indradi Wijatmiko, ST., M.Eng. (Pract) from the Department of Civil Engineering.
This learning activity lasted for 4 days, where for 3 days students were taught material and direct experiments and the last day made a direct visit to the field (Fieled Trip). During the activity, students visited the Faculty of Engineering, Miyazaki University. The group was also welcomed by the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) in Miyazaki during the welcoming party.
Many students were taught about numerical tsunami simulation by Professor Keisuke Murakami. Students were given material about tsunamis that often occur in Japan, as well as the handling and prevention they do. Students were divided into three study groups where at the end of the activity they will present their learning outcomes. Professor Keisuke Murakami also invited students to conduct direct experiments on how tsunami waves are formed. On the 4th day of the sakura program, students were invited to visit three locations to learn how the Japanese government handled the tsunami in Miyazaki. The three locations included Miyazaki Coastal Area, Miyazaki Port, and a visit to Aoshima as a tourist spot.
The first location visited was one of the coastal areas in Miyazaki. Sensei explained how the government uses sand-packs to reduce the impact of tsunami waves. The government also considers the opinions of fishermen for the installation of sand-packs. In addition, tsunami towers and speakers are placed every 500m in coastal residential areas to provide tsunami warnings. In the second location, students were invited to visit 2 shelters which are temporary evacuation sites in the event of a tsunami disaster. Sensei explained to the students the use of the place, how the foundation is, and the evacuation facilities equipped with emergency equipment. The Miyazaki government also holds regular simulations for the local community if a tsunami disaster occurs. The last place visited was Aoshima. Aoshima is one of the beaches as a tourist spot that is often visited by Miyaaki people. The beach is famous for its unique rocks that are formed and arranged naturally on the beach. Aoshima is also equipped with a souvenir trading corridor, shrine, and botanic garden. As a tourist spot, Aoshima is also equipped with trails, signs, and temporary evacuation sites in case of a disaster.
On the last day before we returned to Tokyo, we had a final presentation on the materials and activities we had learned during our time at Miyazaki University. The presentations were done by three groups, with a question and answer session with Professor Keisuke Kurakami. After the presentation, we were given certificates by JST and Miyazaki University and returned to Tokyo. [CAS]
