Bands from the past…
by Robert Slijk
Back in august 1945, Indonesia became independent. Years of suppression have passed. Connections between Holland and Indonesia go way back. Although not all connections between Holland and its colony Indonesia were that great, today they are getting stronger and stronger again. Not only by cooperation of governments and businesses, but also by the Dutch Universities. The Delft University of Technology also participates in this process. A couple months ago a team of 5 students was send to one of the most Northern regions of Indonesia, for a period of 9 weeks. Manado is the Capital City of North Sulawesi, province of Indonesia, located on the Manado Bay surrounded by beautiful mountains. In this great city among its 450.000 inhabitants they worked, ate and lived all this time. The purpose of their visit was a multidisciplinary project, which is part of their master program. Cooperation between students, universities, studies, businesses and people is the key to this project and thereby this article will also be a cooperation between members of “Het CMEDispuut”, “De Ondergrondse” and “Het Waterbouwdispuut”.
In advance, it all has to start with an idea. We all; Guido van der Salm, Partick Knook, Paul Notenboom (all Coastal Engineering); Leon Schadee (GEO-Engineering) and Robert Slijk (CME); studied together at the Hogeschool of Rotterdam, before we started with our various master studies at the University Technology in Delft. But how do you find such a project? After subscription at the International Office we came in contact with Mr. Ir. H.J. Verhagen, who helped us with attaining this assignment in the beautiful country of Indonesia. The multidisciplinary project is an analysis of the coastline of Manado, with a focus on the erosion problems of this area. Besides this analysis the client, the Municipality of Manado, also asked to look at flooding problems within the city. Large areas are in danger of great floods during raining season.
The assignment was there and the next step could be taken. Arranging our VISA, shelter, financing and so on. Thanks to Boskalis, Van Oord, iPS and IV-Group this project is possible. They supported us not only financial, but also with their knowhow of the area. So after a half year the day was finally there: going to Indonesia. A flight of about 24 hours (including transfers) brought us to the city of Manado. Welcomed by a delegation of the Mayor, our Mentor and a few student of the local University our first introduction to the Indonesian culture started. It’s fascinating to come in contact with such a rich culture. Filled with many traditional dances, dishes and customs. Meeting all these kind people is a great experience. Adaption to the food and customs takes a little bit of time, but it is worthwhile. During the project one experiences many challenges like language barriers and the Indonesian work style. An example is the data. Through the years many is collected, only when it comes to the archiving this information there is none. Few data is still present and the search for it gives a challenge. However this challenge is a big learning process on its own.
Now what is the assignment about? The number of population is Manado is increasing. Demanding the city to grow outside its borders, and even into the sea by land reclamations. Introducing new challenges, or making challenges bigger which are already present. The study looks at two of the challenges of Manado city. In the year of 2003 a major flood occurred in the city. Causing a great damage to the city, with many casualties. Risk of flooding is still present today. Secondly a challenge at the border of the city is chosen. The coastline of Manado suffers at specific locations from erosion, possibly caused by development of reclaimed land in the past.
After a starting up the project goes very well. Needless to say the data collection took some additional attention. The kindness of the people helped a lot. Everybody to whom you speak wants to help you, one or the other way. Besides working there also needs to be some relaxation. In the nine weeks of our stay we visited many events. Starting with the Independence Day in the first week of our stay, where we were treated like celebrities, along with police transport. It is hard to believe we’re just 5 regular kids from the Dutch flatlands. The amount of invitations for seminars and ceremonies is bizarre. Every week there is a minimum of two events on the schedule. Of course we accept most of the invitations. Here in Indonesia plans can change ad hoc, everything is possible and almost nothing goes according the plan. Given this fact, the events are a showcase on their own. It’s just experiencing the Indonesian culture on its finest.
In one word the project could be descript as fantastic. Going to a country abroad and doing a multidisciplinary project gives us, the students, the opportunity to get a sneak preview on how projects abroad are managed. In our case, Indonesia is a suitable destination. It’s a developing country, on the border step of becoming a prospered nation. The kindness off the people is really great. Ask someone for help, if you’re on the campus or on the street, and they immediately drop what they are doing to give you a helping hand. Also the Indonesian philosophy is a big learning process. Indonesian take the given day as it comes, why rush today if you can finish it tomorrow. This philosophy is almost the opposite of the western philosophy. Experience with a language barrier and how to adapt in another culture is very educational, and above all fun. Attending a multidisciplinary project is not only a educational, but also a personal learning process.
Flight ticket € 1.000,=
Housing € 700,=
Insurance € 50,= +
Experience € ∞,= (Priceless)
