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Four Students from Japan Women’s University Undertake Overseas Training in Jakarta

In a noteworthy initiative aimed at enhancing global awareness among architecture students, four individuals from the Japan Women’s University (JWU), situated in Bunkyo, Tokyo, partook in an overseas training program organized by the Japan Architecture Center. This program took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, providing students with invaluable exposure to international architectural practices.

Purpose of the Overseas Training Program

The primary objective of this program is to refine the students' international sensibilities through active participation in an international seminar and visits to Japanese businesses operating overseas. The training took place from January 13 to January 28, encompassing a pre-training briefing at the Japan Architecture Center in Tokyo, travel to Jakarta, and formal presentations encapsulating the students' learnings following their experiences.

The Sustainable Housing, Architecture, and Urban Policy Seminar

On January 26, the students joined the “Sustainable Housing, Architecture, and Urban Policy Seminar” held at the Fairmont Jakarta. Their involvement extended beyond mere attendance; they assisted with registration, and contributed to the creation of minutes for panel discussions. The seminar was held in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Public Works and Housing, ERIA, the Japan Architecture Center, and OECD, among others. It aimed to share best practices and promote sustainable policies relevant to urban planning in Indonesia which resonate with similar challenges noted in Japan.

Engaging with International Peers

Participating in this seminar alongside local Indonesian students offered the JWU attendees a chance to connect with diverse perspectives on sustainable architecture. The setup included simultaneous interpretation in three languages to aid in comprehensive discussions. This experience not only broadened their architectural knowledge but also imparted cultural insights that are essential for future architects working on international projects.

Exploration of BRANZ Mega Kuningan

The following day, January 27, the group visited the BRANZ Mega Kuningan, a notable urban mixed-use development project executed by Tokyu Land Corporation. The site visit provided the students with firsthand experience of how urban developments in Jakarta tackle sustainability challenges. This outing was not just a visual exercise; it was an opportunity for practical learning about architecture in a different context.

After the visit, the students engaged in a reflection session where they prepared presentations to encapsulate their learnings during the program. Each student highlighted the shared challenges faced by Indonesia and Japan in housing supply and sustainable practices, emphasizing the need to approach these issues from various angles, including socio-political factors affecting urbanization.

Reflections from Participants

One of the participating students shared, “Experiencing the operations of the seminar allowed me to connect with the warm hospitality of the Indonesian people. I realized there are many common challenges in sustainable housing between Indonesia and Japan.” This reflective process underscored the importance of understanding the broader contexts that influence architectural sustainability rather than focusing solely on isolated issues.

Commitment to Global Education

Japan Women’s University is dedicated to cultivating students' global perspectives and plans to continue promoting international workshops and training programs in collaboration with overseas universities. The partnership with the Japan Architecture Center reflects their commitment to delivering comprehensive global education that fosters the exchange of ideas and skills necessary in the evolving field of architecture.

In conclusion, the experiences gained through this overseas training program not only enriched the academic journey of these architecture students but also aligned with JWU’s broader goals of advocating for sustainable development and global commerce in architectural practices. As JWU continues to innovate and expand its offerings, students can anticipate more opportunities that will enable them to thrive in a globalized world.