Resilience and Renaissance: Reflecting on the 2021 Japan-Indonesia Academic Collaboration

Abstract: The year 2021 marked a pivotal moment in the history of international academic cooperation. Amidst the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Toyama and its consortium of Indonesian partners launched the "Toyama-Indonesia Joint Week 2021" (Toyama-UIJ Week). This digital convergence was not merely a substitute for physical mobility; it was a reimagining of how cross-border knowledge exchange can flourish in a virtual era. This comprehensive report details the key discussions, scientific breakthroughs, and cultural milestones achieved during this week-long symposium, highlighting the enduring bond between Japan and Indonesia.

Introduction: A Partnership Built on Trust

The relationship between the University of Toyama and Indonesian academia is deep-rooted, spanning decades of student exchanges, joint research, and faculty development. Indonesia has consistently been one of the top source countries for international students at Toyama, particularly in the fields of Natural Medicine, Engineering, and Environmental Science. The UIJ Week 2021 was designed to honor this history while addressing the urgent challenges of the present.

Held entirely online, the event gathered over 500 participants, including rectors, deans, researchers, and students from Toyama and partner institutions such as Universitas Indonesia (UI), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS). The theme, "Bridging Innovation and Culture," reflected the dual necessity of advancing scientific frontiers while maintaining the human connections that form the bedrock of diplomacy.

The Medical Frontier: Natural Medicine and Pharmaceutical Innovation

Toyama Prefecture is historically known as the "Medicine Capital" of Japan, a tradition dating back over 300 years. Consequently, the flagship sessions of the UIJ Week focused on Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Medicine. This track was particularly relevant given Indonesia's status as a mega-biodiversity country, possessing thousands of medicinal plant species that remain under-researched.

Keynote speakers from the Institute of Natural Medicine at the University of Toyama presented groundbreaking research on the isolation of bioactive compounds from traditional Indonesian herbs (Jamu). One notable presentation discussed the modernization of Curcuma xanthorrhiza (Temulawak) for liver protection and potential anti-viral applications. The synthesis of Japanese technology in extraction and standardization with Indonesian raw biodiversity creates a powerful synergy. Discussions also touched upon the regulatory frameworks needed to bring these "Kampo" and "Jamu" products to the global market, ensuring safety and efficacy standards are met.

Furthermore, given the context of 2021, a significant portion of the medical track was dedicated to COVID-19 research. Researchers shared data on vaccine development, public health strategies in archipelagic nations versus aging societies, and the psychological impact of long-term lockdowns on student populations.

Engineering and Sustainability: The Green Transformation

The second pillar of the conference was Engineering and Environmental Science. Both Japan and Indonesia sit on the "Ring of Fire," making them uniquely vulnerable to natural disasters. Disaster mitigation was a hot topic, with engineers from both nations sharing innovations in earthquake-resistant infrastructure and tsunami early warning systems.

However, the most forward-looking discussions centered on the "Green Transformation" (GX). As the world moves towards carbon neutrality, the collaboration focused on:

• New Energy Materials: Research into aluminum recycling (a key industry in Toyama) and the development of next-generation batteries using nickel, of which Indonesia is the world's largest producer.
• Sustainable Urban Planning: Comparisons between Japan's "Smart Cities" and Indonesia's plans for its new capital city. Faculty members exchanged views on waste management systems and the integration of IoT sensors for environmental monitoring.

The Digital Leap: Redefining Student Mobility

Perhaps the most poignant discussions revolved around the future of education itself. With borders closed in 2021, physical exchange programs like the Sakura Science Plan were put on hold. The UIJ Week served as a testbed for COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning).

Educators discussed the pedagogical challenges of virtual labs and remote internships. While acknowledging that nothing replaces the immersive experience of living abroad, participants noted that virtual exchanges allowed for greater inclusivity. Students who previously could not afford the travel costs to Japan were now able to participate in lectures by top Japanese professors. The consensus was that the future of mobility is "Hybrid"—a blend of physical exchange for deep immersion and virtual exchange for broad accessibility.

"The pandemic closed our borders, but it opened our screens. We have learned that knowledge travels at the speed of light, and our collaboration is not bound by geography." – Closing Remarks, Organizing Committee

Cultural Exchange in a Virtual Space

Science feeds the mind, but culture feeds the soul. The UIJ Week 2021 included vibrant cultural sessions designed to alleviate the isolation of the pandemic. Indonesian students in Toyama (PPI Toyama) played a crucial role, creating virtual tours of the Toyama campus and the snowy landscapes of the Hokuriku region, which many Indonesian participants had never seen.

Conversely, students from Indonesia showcased traditional dances and a virtual angklung performance. A highlight was the "Language Café," a breakout session where Japanese students learning Bahasa Indonesia and Indonesian students learning Japanese practiced conversation. These interactions humanized the digital experience, reminding everyone that behind every avatar was a student eager to connect.

Looking Ahead: The Post-2021 Roadmap

The Toyama-UIJ Week 2021 concluded with the signing of renewed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) and the establishment of new joint research grants. The key takeaways for the future roadmap include:

1. Double Degree Programs: Accelerating the implementation of double degree programs at the Master’s and PhD levels, allowing students to spend time at both universities.
2. Industry Linkages: Connecting Indonesian graduates with companies in Toyama Prefecture facing labor shortages, creating a pipeline for high-skilled talent.
3. Joint Publications: A commitment to increase co-authored papers in high-impact journals, specifically in the fields of life sciences and material engineering.

Conclusion

The Toyama-Indonesia Joint Week 2021 was a triumph of will. It demonstrated that even amidst a global crisis, the academic community remains a beacon of cooperation. The event did not just maintain the status quo; it expanded the horizons of what is possible. As we move forward, the lessons learned in 2021—about flexibility, digital inclusivity, and the vital importance of human connection—will guide the University of Toyama and its Indonesian partners towards a shared, prosperous future.

This archive serves as a testament to the resilience of our students and faculty. We look forward to welcoming our Indonesian friends back to Toyama in person, to see the Tateyama mountains and experience the warmth of our academic community once again.

This article was originally published as part of the post-event proceedings. For detailed abstract books and recording links, please visit the member area.