Shizuoka, 20 December 2024 –In order to build a commitment to the development of nursing science at the international level, the Faculty of Nursing Sciences, University of Indonesia (FoN UI) has sent a delegation to participate in the Sakura Science Program 2024 from 15 to 20 December 2024 in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, which is fully funded by the Shizuoka Prefectural Government. A total of 3 students from various levels of education, namely Ns. Ilfa Kharina, S.Kep., M.Kep. (doctoral), Ns. Muhammad Ferly Aditya, S.Kep. (master), and Latifah Fajri Nur Azizah (undergraduate) who were accompanied by research lecturer Ns. Muhammad Adam, S.Kep., M.Kep., Sp.KMB., participated in this programme. They were selected through an internal selection process that considered thesis, thesis, and dissertation topics, as well as active involvement in research at the faculty.

Sakura Science Program 2024 is one of the international scientific collaboration initiatives that materialised as a follow-up to the Cooperation Agreement between Shizuoka Prefecture and West Java Provincial Government in 2017. The programme aims to deepen the delegates' knowledge on Disaster Nursing which is very relevant to the context of disasters in Indonesia, as well as introducing Japan's rich and unique culture.

With Indonesia prone to various natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, an understanding of disaster management and the role of nurses in disaster situations is essential. Through this program, FoN UI delegates gained in-depth insight into Japan's disaster management policies, as well as Japanese ways of preparing communities and medical personnel for disasters.

The Faculty of Nursing of Universitas Indonesia gave full support to the delegation's participation. The Dean of FoN UI stated that, ‘We strongly support every effort to broaden the horizons and improve the international competence of our students and lecturers. The Sakura Science Programme 2024 is a valuable opportunity for FoN UI delegates to not only deepen their knowledge in the field of disaster nursing, but also strengthen collaborative networks with international educational institutions.’

Selama lima hari, delegasi FIK UI mengikuti berbagai kegiatan seperti kuliah, diskusi, studi kasus, observasi lapangan, dan simulasi. Salah satu agenda utama adalah Disaster Management Lecture at Shizuoka Prefectural Government, who provided in-depth insights into disaster management policies. The delegation also had the opportunity to visit Shimizu Port Authority and Shizuoka Disaster Prevention Centre to learn about the readiness of disaster management facilities in Japan.

In addition to the academic aspect, the program also offered cultural experiences, such as a tea ceremony that illustrates the Japanese philosophy of patience and calmness, which can be applied in disaster situations. The program also included a meeting with the Director of the Shizuoka Prefectural Office of Sports, Culture and Tourism, who emphasized the importance of cross-cultural and academic cooperation.

The program was of great benefit to the delegates. They gained a deeper knowledge of the disaster management system implemented in Japan, as well as practical skills that can be applied directly in the context of disasters in Indonesia. The delegates also benefited from a cultural experience that enriched their understanding of the importance of calmness and discipline in dealing with disasters.

The FoN UI delegates also felt inspired by the culture of hard work, discipline, and innovation of the Japanese people that they witnessed firsthand. They hope that scientific collaboration between Shizuoka Prefecture, University of Shizuoka, and educational institutions in Indonesia can continue to be strengthened.

In the future, the experience and knowledge gained by the delegates are expected to be applied in various educational and research program at FoN UI. They are committed to applying what they have learnt in the development of disaster nursing policy and practice in Indonesia, as well as contributing to more effective disaster management efforts in the country. With this experience, FoN UI can play a more active role in international collaboration in the fields of education, research, and nursing services.

‘We hope that the scientific collaboration between Shizuoka Prefecture, University of Shizuoka, and institutions in Indonesia can continue to be strengthened. We believe that this valuable experience will be a for us to bring positive changes in our country, especially in the fields of disaster management and nursing. We believe this program has established a solid foundation for future scientific and educational cooperation,’ said Muhammad Adam, S.Kep., M.Kep., Sp.KMB., as research lecturer and delegation representative.

This program is a strategic step for FoN UI to expand global insights and strengthen international networks in the field of nursing. With these new insights and experiences, the delegates are ready to implement the knowledge gained to improve the quality of nursing education and services in Indonesia.