Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), through its Directorate of Partnerships, hosted a Short Program in collaboration with Nagoya University, offering an opportunity for students from both institutions to engage in academic exchange while experiencing Indonesian culture firsthand.

The program welcomed 17 students from Nagoya University representing various academic backgrounds, from humanities to engineering, accompanied by a faculty member. The three-week program took place from 8 to 26 February 2026, beginning with the participants’ arrival in Bandung on 8 February. The official opening was held on 9 February, followed by a series of academic and cultural activities until the closing ceremony on 25 February, before the participants returned to Japan the following day.

The program was initiated by Nagoya University as an effort to introduce Japanese students to Indonesia and the academic environment at ITB. Professor Iwabuchi Kazuaki of Nagoya University explained that the program was designed to provide students with their first international academic experience.

Throughout the program, Nagoya University students were accompanied by ITB student buddies who supported them during various academic and cultural activities. Participants were introduced to campus life at ITB through sit-in classes, guest lectures, and language sessions, allowing them to experience the university’s academic environment firsthand.

Beyond the classroom, the program also offered opportunities to explore Indonesian culture. Participants visited Mekarlaksana Village, where they engaged in several hands-on cultural activities with the local community. Reflecting on the visit, Yu San, an Aerospace Engineering student from Nagoya University, shared that she really enjoyed Mekarlaksana cool weather and beautiful scenery. She especially loved making bracelets, learning traditional dances, and interacting with local people, which made the experience more meaningful. She also appreciated the community’s awareness of environmental sustainability, as well as the fresh air and natural surroundings, making her visit both memorable and inspiring.

Nagoya University students explore Indonesian culture during visits to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) and Mekarlaksana Village (February 11, 2026).

Participants also visited Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in Jakarta, where they experienced the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year celebration and watched a Barongsai (lion dance) performance.

Participants were also introduced to several research and creative spaces at ITB through laboratory and studio visits across different faculties. In addition, they learned to play the traditional Indonesian bamboo instrument, the angklung, during a cultural session held at the International Relations Office (IRO).

For the ITB students involved as buddies, the program also became an opportunity to build meaningful connections with peers from another country.

The program concluded with Japan Day and the Closing Ceremony, where Nagoya University students introduced aspects of Japanese culture through presentations and interactive activities such as an origami workshop. The event ended with a communal buka puasa (iftar), bringing the program to a warm and memorable close.

Although the program lasted only a few weeks, it created valuable opportunities for academic exchange and cultural learning. Through shared experiences and daily interactions, students from Nagoya University and ITB were able to build new friendships while gaining a deeper appreciation of each other’s cultures.