During three days, starting from 16, 23, and 30 March, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), along with Kansai University of International Studies and Universiti Utara Malaysia, organized an Asian Cooperative Program - International Virtual Bootcamp. They raised a theme entitled, "Disaster Risk Reduction during the COVID-19 Pandemic".
"It is such an honor to be the host of this honorable activity," said I Made Andi Arsana, Ph.D., on Tuesday (30/3) as the Head Office of UGM International Affairs.
On 30 March 2021, UGM got the third turn after Kansai University on the first day and Universiti Utara Malaysia on the second day. In the UGM's turn, there were several speakers invited. They were Dr. Hakimul Ikhwan, M.A., researcher of Center for Transportation and Logistics Studies (PUSTRAL) UGM, Ir. Ikaputra, M.Eng., Ph.D., and inventor of GeNose, Prof. Dr.Eng. Kuwat Triyana, M.Si.
Hakimul Ikhwan presented a material entitled, "Socially Undistanced: Learning Lessons from Social Initiative and Solidarity Amidst Covid-19 in Indonesia". He explained that when the pandemic hit, almost all countries in the world were shocked. For some leaders of the countries, the pandemic was a huge challenge. Moreover, the community's perspective that considered the government's effort had not been optimal in handling the pandemic.
"They were in a quandary which one to save first, either health or economy,"
However, even if there was confusion within the government or regional level, not a little group from the community has been initiated to limit the mobility access to their home. Hakim added that there were also initiative efforts from individuals or groups to raise funds to help people negatively affected by the pandemic. Instead of limiting interaction, the pandemic had a positive impact on strengthening solidarity.
ACP, originated by the Kansai University of International Studies and other 13 universities in Southeast Asia, could be an opportunity for universities around Asia to develop and share their knowledge and issue in regional security management. Following the boot camp, ACP also organized a symposium with a theme raised, "Safety Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic". These activities aim to encourage either undergraduate students or consortium university members to collaborate in implementing securities concepts to develop Asia with qualified human resources.
Author: Gloria