SOREANG JOURNAL — Siliwangi University, Tasikmalaya, strengthens its international network by signing a strategic collaboration with The University of Kitakyushu, Japan, which focuses on developing research in the field of nutrition and public health.
This activity is an important step in supporting improving the quality of academics, research, as well as real contributions to global health issues and environmental management.
The Siliwangi University delegation was represented by a number of leading academics, including Dr. Lilik Hidayanti, S.KM., M.Si as Head of the Nutrition Department, and Dr. Siti Novianti, S.KM., M.KM as Chair of the Public Health Department.
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Both of them accompanied Dr. Iseu Siti Aisyah, SP., M.Kes is on the main agenda for signing a research collaboration agreement with three professors from The University of Kitakyushu.
On this occasion, the signing of the collaboration was carried out with Matsumoto sensei, a professor who has expertise in the environmental field.
It is hoped that this collaboration can strengthen cross-disciplinary research, especially those related to the relationship between the environment, nutrition and public health.
Not only signing the collaboration, the Siliwangi University delegation also took part in a series of international seminars and workshops led by Indriyani Rachman, Ph.D, as coordinator of academic activities and research collaboration. The seminar raised various strategic topics that are relevant to current global challenges.
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In the session led by Indriyani Rachman, two main topics were discussed, namely “Nutritional Value Analysis in the Processing of Food Ingredients Nearing Expiration as an Effort to Reduce Food Waste” and “Effective Waste Management Strategies to Improve Public Health in Tasikmalaya City”.
These two topics highlight the importance of innovation in food and waste management as part of efforts to improve the quality of public health in a sustainable manner.
Meanwhile, Kodama sensei delivered material related to increasing public knowledge through learning media. The topics raised include “Increasing Public Knowledge about the Nutritional Value of Food Items Approaching Expiration through Learning Media to Support Food Waste Reduction” and “Effective Use of Waste Management Learning Media to Improve Public Health in Tasikmalaya City”.
This material emphasizes the importance of media-based education as a means of changing people’s behavior.
Next, Murae sensei discussed aspects of food security in emergency conditions through the topic “Development of Emergency Food High in Energy and Protein to Support the Recovery of Disaster Victims”.
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Apart from that, he also explained “Effective Waste Management Strategies as Disaster Mitigation Efforts and Improving Public Health in Tasikmalaya City”. This presentation provides a new perspective on the integration between disaster management, nutrition and environmental health.
Miyake sensei also delivered material regarding the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in improving community welfare.
He explained how the public health and nutrition program in Kitakyushu City has succeeded in supporting sustainable development through an integrated and community-based approach.
While in Kitakyushu, the Siliwangi University delegation also had the opportunity to take part in various field activities. They visited the Kitakyushu Environmental Museum to learn about the history of the city’s development in overcoming environmental problems.
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This visit provides a real picture of Kitakyushu’s transformation from an industrial city with high levels of pollution to one of the cities with the best environmental management in the world.
Apart from that, the group also visited Eco Town, an area which is a center for technology and innovation-based solid waste management.
At this location, the delegation gained insight into an integrated and sustainable waste management system, which can be a reference for developing similar policies in Indonesia, especially in Tasikmalaya City.
Not only that, various public facilities related to nutrition and community welfare were also visited. This activity provides direct experience regarding the implementation of effective public health programs based on community needs.
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Indriyani Rachman, Ph.D, as seminar and research collaboration coordinator, expressed her hope that this collaboration could produce concrete outcomes, such as publications in reputable international journals and the implementation of joint academic activities, including public lectures and scientific exchanges.
He also hopes that this collaboration will not only stop at the signing stage, but can develop into a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership.
“We hope that this collaboration can soon be realized in the form of joint research, international publications and other academic activities that will have a real impact on society,” he said.
Furthermore, he expressed the hope that the team from The University of Kitakyushu could visit Siliwangi University in the future.
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It is hoped that the visit will strengthen bilateral relations between institutions as well as open up opportunities for wider cooperation in various fields.
This collaboration is a form of Siliwangi University’s commitment to improving the quality of education and research through international collaboration.
By raising strategic issues such as food waste management, nutrition education, public health and disaster mitigation, this collaboration is expected to be able to make a significant contribution to sustainable development, both at the local and global levels.
Through synergy between academics from Indonesia and Japan, it is hoped that new innovations will be born that can answer future public health challenges.
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Apart from that, this collaboration is also a concrete step in supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals that have been proclaimed globally.
With various agendas that have been implemented, this visit not only strengthens academic relations between institutions, but also opens up great opportunities for research development and service to the wider community.
Siliwangi University is optimistic that this collaboration will be the start of various productive collaborations in the future.***
