Indonesian HUAPs help organize the 2020 Indonesia Alumni Association Get-together and Indonesian Exchange Day (February 21–22, 2020)

On February 21st and 22nd, the “2020 Hokkaido University Indonesia Alumni Association Get-together” and the “HU & Indonesia Universities Exchange Day” were held at Lambung Mangkurat University in South Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia.

This is the second occasion in Indonesia following the event held in Palangkaraya last year. 50 HU alumni in Indonesia, about 100 faculty members and students from Rambun Mankurat University, and Consul-General Masaki Tani (Consulate-General of Japan in Surabaya) attended. Consul-General Tani participated in both events and published posts on the Consulate General’s social media.

After the opening ceremony, Mr. Osamu Nuka (Director of the Student Exchange Division) introduced the Hokkaido Summer Institute and some of the guests, including HU alumna Dr. Catharine K. Winata (Graduate School of Fisheries Science alumna, Environmental Consultant), spoke about sustainable tourism in Japan and Borneo island.

On the 2nd day, HU alumni and faculty members were invited to visit a venture company that improved and cultivated mushrooms in collaboration with HU alumni at Lambung Mangkurat University. They developed 17 kinds of mushrooms modified to withstand the local high temperatures. They then selected one to produce and popularize in the local community. The proceeds from the sales for one day is equivalent to the local 1-month salary minimum wage. The company is improving youth employment and is working to lower the unemployment rate. HU alumni also introduced their business project to produce leather bags employing women from low-income backgrounds. HU alumni in Indonesia are working to engage the local community while improving their society.

The next meeting will be held at Sriwijaya University in Palembang City, Sumatra in 2021.