Exploring Japan Post-Pandemic: A General Lecture and Academic Visit at UNHAS by Associate Professor Raj Lahki SEN from Kanazawa University
The International Office (IO) of Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) hosted a General Lecture on Monday, 2 June 2025, at the IPTEKS Building, UNHAS Tamalanrea Campus. The event began at 8:30 a.m. and attracted around 100 students and faculty members. It featured Associate Professor Raj Lahki SEN from the International Center for Research and Education of Japan Studies, Kanazawa University, Japan. The lecture was officially opened by Andi Masyitha Irwan, Ph.D., Head of the IO.
Prof. SEN delivered a lecture titled “Post-Pandemic: Japan and Its Challenges.” She began by exploring the historical trajectory of Japanese literature, continuing to the pandemic period and its aftermath. The presentation sparked numerous questions from the participants, all of which she answered precisely and comprehensively. The session was moderated by Khaeruddin, Ph.D., IO Task Force for Student Mobility, and concluded with a photo session and the presentation of a token of appreciation to Prof. SEN.
Following the lecture, the IO conducted a coordination meeting involving Prof. SEN to discuss the upcoming UNHAS-Kanazawa University Summer Program, scheduled for late August to early September 2025. Saaduddin, M.Sc., IO Task Force for International Students and Immigration Affairs, who also serves as the Program Manager, presented a systematic plan for the program. Prof. SEN raised several insightful questions reflecting her students’ concerns, ensuring that preparations aligned with the needs and expectations of the participants. The meeting concluded with a shared lunch, featuring traditional Indonesian cuisine, including Soto Banjar and a local Makassar dessert, Pisang Ijo (steamed banana in green pandan wrap).
As it was her first time in Makassar, Prof. SEN was accompanied by IO staff to explore the city. She enjoyed a traditional boat ride along the Makassar Strait and visited several key locations at UNHAS on her second day. These included the Institute of Research and Community Development (LP2M) Hall, which will serve as a venue for the summer program, as well as multiple International Corners across campus. She began at the Japan Corner, followed by visits to the Mandarin Corner and Ausie Banget Corner. At the latter, she was welcomed by Herawaty Abbas, Ph.D., Head of UNHAS Language Services and Coordinator of the Ausie Banget Corner, who explained its role in supporting international engagement.
The visit continued to the Department of Japanese Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), where Prof. SEN was warmly welcomed by Kasmawaty, M.Pd., Secretary of the Department, and Taqdir, M.Pd., Lecturer. Ansar Saud, M.Si., Secretary of the UNHAS Library, also joined the visit. During her discussion with department lecturers, Prof. SEN expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations and engaged in conversation using fluent Japanese, which greatly impressed the IO staff and academic community. Her visit concluded with photo sessions at each location. With hopes of a successful summer program ahead, she departed for Jakarta at 6:00 p.m. and continued her journey back to Kanazawa.
