Faculty of Nursing (FoN) University of Kochi welcomed faculty members and students from FoN Universitas Andalas, Indonesia on October 16 – 20, 2017 as follow up activities on Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between two universities. As a part of collaboration objectives, this visit aimed to strengthen the contribution of both institutions in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) system on each area.

Since Universitas Andalas located on West Sumatera as one of prone disaster area in Indonesia, which prone to earth quake and tsunami, FoN Universitas Andalas established its vision “as the center of excellence in Nursing especially in disaster nursing regionally in 2022”. Dr. Hema said as geographically condition of earth plate between West Sumatera and Kochi is quite similar. So, collaboration with University of Kochi, which focused on disaster mitigation and preparedness system development, is very beneficial in enhancing contribution of FoN Universitas Andalas in to achieve its vision, particularly in improving DRR system on West Sumatera.

During this visit, both institutions hold exchange meeting to discuss the idea and future collaboration implementations. Both institutions described the profile and programs or activities that conducted on each area related to DRR issues. In the other hand, after the meeting the delegation of FoN Universitas Andalas also visited Tsunami Tower as public mitigation facilities in Kochi. On this facility, they learned its system such as management system of building, evacuation directions, and stockpiles. So, by involving in this activity, University of Kochi continues to actively contribute in achieving seven global targets of Sendai Framework, especially in enhancing international cooperation to developing countries through adequate and sustainable support in complementing their national actions.

(Yudi Ariesta Chandra)