Surabaya, E Java (Antara) - Seventeen countries are participating in the Community and Technological (CommTECH) Camp 2017 organized by the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) Surabaya, East Java province, from July 12 to 15.
ITS's Rector Joni Hermana stated at the opening ceremony here on Wednesday that there are 45 participants from 17 countries who will share their thoughts and solve such problems such as smart city and sustainable water development in Surabaya.
The participants are from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Germany, Australia, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Japan, Brunei Darussalam, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and India.
"Both of those topics are the focus on the program because they are urgent issues faced by Surabaya today," he noted, explaining that water availability in Java is nearing a critical point with a ratio of only 0.4 percent. In addition, Java, especially Surabaya, begins to find it difficult to accommodate the incoming water.
"This is due to the transfer of land functions and the sinking of water reservoirs such as dams," he remarked.
He added that Surabaya needs a solution so that water inflow during the rainy season can be accommodated and droughts can be prevented during the dry season.
Meanwhile, the International Relations Director of ITS, Maria Anityasari, explained that for 14 days, the participants will be invited to go directly to villages and remote areas in Surabaya City to see water treatment and find solutions to solve the problems.
Eventually, the participants will present their activities and solutions to the Surabaya City Administration, Maria added.
"The presentation will be an input for the administration to improve water management and develop smart city in this city," Maria noted.
The participants will also learn Indonesian cultures, such as Bahasa Indonesia and traditional games, and enjoy the natural beauty of Indonesia in Mount Bromo.
One of the participants from the Philippines, Jacquelline Alessandria R Villa, remarked that she came to know of the CommTECH program from her professor. Being interested in CommTECH's programs, she decided to join in it.
"I want to exchange ideas with participants from other countries," the University of Philippines student explained. (*)
Edited by Ine
