Farhan Kurniawan from Indonesia wants to see the environment from a water perspective
I graduated from university in Indonesia specialised in agriculture education in atmospheric sciences. For the last two years, I worked as a GIS analyser and consultant and then as a consultant for restoration in plantations and mining areas, designing and assessing recovery plans. I am now a Project Officer at ReClima Tech. I won a scholarship, MoU between IHE Delft and the Netherlands Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management to commemorate the joining of Indonesia to the International Panel of Deltas and Coastal Areas (IPDC), to study for my Master’s degree in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft.
How did you hear about IHE Delft?
In 2022, there was a massive water disaster in central Java, a sea intrusion. At that time, I was working in the environmental sector as a consultant, this disaster triggered me to help solve water issues. I researched the most prominent water universities and came across IHE Delft. I applied for an MSc at IHE Delft, because it offers the most complete education when it comes to environmental issues and water management.
My interest in water
I have a forestry and atmospheric sciences background. I was dealing with air a lot, but water is actually manageable, while the air is hard to manage, you cannot sell it for example. I think water is a resource that will last until the end of humanity and creates a big business, so it is crucial to do it right. I want to see the environment from a water perspective.
Water situation in Indonesia
Indonesia is a tropical country, we have ample rainfall and water scarcity is rare. However, too much water can also be a problem, as it causes floods, erosion and many other water-related hazards. Risk management is something that we need to work on. There are also several problems with the palm oil industries and how it influences water quality. Many consultants and NGOs argue for a balance between business and protection of the ecosystem.
Experience at IHE Delft
The diversity at IHE Delft is unique. Most students come from developing countries which face similar water issues. For example, when we talk about building water stations, we discuss vandalism and theft of materials and realise how different countries face different challenges at the same time! It is very interesting!
I was impressed by the modules instead of the regular semester programmes, the pace is really fast and you need to get used to it. Secondly, when talking about the content, everything is applicable to your country, it is very practical.
In my Bachelors we had many exams, while at IHE Delft they pay more attention to discussions and group assignments, creating a bond between students. I feel like I would need more than one year! I understand why some people might prefer it though, but I feel a bit burdened by the lack of time. It is definitely a challenge.
After graduation
When I graduate, I would like to go back to my consultancy company, to expand their capabilities. I also want to learn about modelling and how to answer environmental issues with modelling, sensor modelling in particular.
Interested?
IHE Delft offers two new Master of Science programmes: the MSc in Water and Sustainable Development and the Research MSc in Water and Sustainable Development. Furthermore, IHE Delft is involved in joint MSc Programmes offered with partner institutes.
