From Republic of Indonesia
- Name
HARMAEN Muhamad Aini Halid - Country/ Region of Citizenship
Republic of Indonesia - Graduated from
Institut Teknologi Bandung - Department
Department of Applied Chemistry （Master’s）
Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP Scholarship), Ministry of Finance of Republic of Indonesia Honor
Did you have any concerns before coming to Japan?
One thing I was worried about before coming to Japan is how to pray because I am a Muslim and I need to pray 5 times a day, but now I do not worry about it because my lab members understand about it and they give me time to pray.
Fortunately in Nishi-Waseda Campus, they provide us some space for pray. In building 55, there is a small space for us to pray, so I am glad.
Besides that, maybe language, so I should learn more about the language.
Have you had any difficulties when you started a new life here?
Well, since I cannot speak Japanese so well, setting up an internet connection or opening a bank account was difficult for me at first, but my lab friends always helped me, so most of the problems have been solved.I also had difficulties making friends with Japanese people, but now I have some. I always hang out together with them. Now I think it is getting better.
How did you find out about Waseda University?
I knew Waseda University from my friends who are also current students here, so I checked the website of Waseda, and became interested. In Indonesia, people know Japanese public universities like Todai but do not usually know about private universities like Waseda, so we just find out from other people. But now, I think Waseda University is known better than before.
When I came here, I noticed that Waseda University is so famous.
Why did you choose Waseda University?
After I searched in the website, I found the laboratory and research instructions that fit with my interest. That is why ended up here.
How did you get information for our program?
I got information from my friends and searched from the website. Information on the website is very good, and when I asked the Admissions Office, they were very helpful.
How is your life in Japan and Waseda?
So far so good. My supervisors are very kind and lab members also always help me. When I first came to Japan, they had Hanami party as a welcome party for me. During the summer vacation, we held seminar trips with laboratory members, going to my professor’s villa. It was so much fun.
When I first came to Japan, I lived in the dormitory but now I live in an apartment by myself in Ichikawa City in Chiba Prefecture because there are many Indonesians there and I can make Indonesian friends. There are also some Muslim restaurants there, so it is easier for me to get Halal food around Ichikawa City. And for cooking at home, I can get some Indonesian seasonings in Shin-Okubo.
There are good Indonesian restaurants in Odaiba and Shinjuku, and they serve Balinese food.
I am from Java Island where the capital city, Jakarta, is located. Japanese people usually only know about Bali. During this past summer vacations, I went to Bali with my Japanese lab friends and stayed for 5 days. I was so happy thanks to them.
Last semester, I joined a Japanese language class, and now I really want to learn Japanese Archery, so maybe I will sign up for the Japanese Archery club at Waseda.
What do you do in your free time?
On the weekdays, my free times are usually in the night, I usually read books, browsing internet, chat with my friends, or skype with my parents. On the weekends, I usually go sightseeing around Tokyo because I like Japan. My favorite place is Hakone. It is a very beautiful place. I also like Odaiba because I see good technology there, like artificial islands. For the traditional place, maybe Meiji Jingu Shrine near Omote-Sando.
How are the relationships with your supervisor and lab members?
So far so good. They are very helpful and kind. In my lab, there are 3 international students including me. The others are from Libya and Korea. I always share experience with them and about life here in Japan.
There are about 35 including both Japanese and international. There are several lab rooms, and each room consists of 10 students.
Outline of the research
My research is about tackling chabazite-type zeolite membrane for separation process application. zeolite membrane have the potential to efficiently separate mixture because zeolite membrane has nanoporous structure and adsorption properties. The permeation measurement for CHA-type shows that membrane with CHA structure is a good candidate for separations.
What is your career goal after your degree completion?
After obtaining a degree from Waseda University, I am eager to get experiences abroad like internship or getting a job, after that, go back to my country to make a contribution. But getting the PhD before going back is better for me, maybe in Japan, Europe, US, or Australia. After that, I would like to contribute in the research and development field in Indonesia.
Short message to the prospective students
in English
My name is Muhamad Aini Halid Harmaen From Indonesia. currently, i am studying at department of applied chemistry supervised by Professor Matsukata. Warmest welcome from Waseda University to all prospective foreign students. I believe if you study at waseda university, you will get an experiences worth remembering that will guide you wherever you go. Study abroad is a life-changing experiences, so don’t have any doubts to try. “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” -T.S. Elliot-
Good luck!
For those who want to study here, it is better to learn Japanese Language at your home country first before you arrive. It will help a lot.
in Indonesia
Halo teman-teman, Saya Muhamad Aini Halid Harmaen, salam hangat dari Waseda University, Tokyo. Saya sedang kuliah master jurusan Applied Chemistry. Kalau kalian memang punya keinginan besar untuk melanjutkan kuliah di Luar Negeri, banyak kok kesempatan yang bisa didapat. Cari Informasi sebanyak mungkin. Supaya termotivasi, saya selalu suka kata-kata motivasi dari imam syafi’i tentang merantau: “Merantaulah, Maka kau akan dapat pengganti dari orang-orang yang engkau tinggalkan (kerabat dan kawan). Berlelah-lelahlah, manisnya hidup terasa setelah lelah berjuang.” Selamat berjuang! Saya tunggu di Universitas Waseda. Walaupun terdapat kelas yang berbahasa inggris, alangkah baiknya belajar bahasa Jepang sebelum tiba disini, karena akan sangat membantu dalam aktivitas sehari-hari.
