The central part of West Java Province, surrounded by volcanic highlands, became the classroom for students of the Integrated Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (I-WASH) Summer Course 2025, themed “WASH in Emergency Settings.” The program was hosted by the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Indonesia, in collaboration with the Global Sanitation Graduate School Regional Hub for South and Southeast Asia (GSGS RH SSEA), from 12 July to 13 August 2025. The hybrid course combined online lectures and in-person training in Indonesia, offering students a unique platform to explore innovative approaches to WASH in humanitarian crises.
The course welcomed 27 participants, including 14 female students, from across South and Southeast Asia. Among them were 9 students from the Environmental Engineering and Management (EEM) program of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), alongside participants from Mahidol University (2), Pokhara University (5), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (1), and ITB Bandung (10). This diverse cohort reflected the international spirit of the program, fostering cross-cultural learning, academic exchange, and collaboration.
Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC) at AIT serves as the host and Regional Lead for the Global Sanitation Graduate School Regional Hub for South and Southeast Asia (GSGS RH SSEA). Within GWSC, the Skill Development & Capacity Building Hub (SDCB-Hub) plays a central role in supporting such initiatives. Its primary objective is to facilitate, promote, and disseminate research and innovations in sanitation systems and technologies that positively impact health, social well-being, and economic development, with scalability to reach the poorest billion. The SDCB-Hub supports public officials (including municipalities) and students in conducting policy-relevant research in developing countries, for example through the GWSC scholarship program. These programs are strengthened through the GSGS, building a pipeline of skilled professionals in the sanitation sector.
The intensive curriculum covered a wide spectrum of WASH challenges in emergency contexts. Online sessions introduced participants to subjects such as water security and health risks, sanitation in disaster-prone areas, fecal sludge management in Rohingya camps, climate-resilient WASH, disaster risk reduction concepts, digital technology for WASH monitoring and evaluation, and SPHERE humanitarian standards. These were complemented by offline sessions in Indonesia, where participants could apply theory in hands-on, practical contexts.
The field trip, part of the AIT course Design of Water Supply and Wastewater System, offered students an opportunity to move beyond theoretical studies and engage directly with cutting-edge water supply and sanitation technologies designed for emergency settings. The summer course, which draws students from South and Southeast Asia each year, emphasizes cross-learning focused on addressing regional WASH challenges during emergencies.
The journey began at the ITB Jatinangor campus, where the students were welcomed by Dr. Dyah Wulandari Putri, coordinator of the summer course. They toured a water treatment plant, a sustainable materials laboratory, and a compost plant. Through this visit, the students were exposed to cutting-edge research and innovations that are currently under development and in practice.
On the second day, participants engaged in hands-on training with the Indonesian Red Cross Society (Palang Merah Indonesia, PMI). They learned how to identify water sources during emergencies, apply SPHERE standards, and operate portable water treatment units. Red Cross professionals introduced them to mass and batch water treatment techniques, demonstrating how to meet high domestic water demands during crises. The hands-on exercises highlighted both the complexities and the importance of innovations in water purification.
“I had never considered how sanitation systems could be implemented in emergency situations. Learning how to set up portable water treatment units and apply SPHERE standards showed us how theory translates into lifesaving action,” said Glenn Lucas Hendrajaya during the hands-on training on water treatment technologies.,” – Glenn Lucas Hendrajaya during the hands-on training on water treatment technologies.
The following day focused on sanitation in emergencies. Guided by Agung Lestyawan, Senior WASH and Public Health Specialist at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), students gained practical experience in constructing emergency sanitation facilities. They built portable toilets, pit latrines, trench latrines, and handwashing stations, simulating the realities of providing sanitation solutions during disasters. This training helped participants strengthen their technical and practical skills as future emergency WASH professionals.
“Building emergency sanitation facilities with our own hands was an eye-opening experience. It showed us how critical quick, practical solutions like mobile rapid latrines are to ensure sanitation coverage within affected areas,” – Phaisit Buaban while constructing sanitation facilities.
Participants also visited Ciwidey, a mountainous region renowned for its natural beauty and strawberry farms. Beyond recreation, the excursion offered a practical lens on the geological vulnerabilities of the greater Bandung area. Activities such as trekking, rafting, and visiting Kawah Putih, a volcanic crater lake, allowed participants to understand the region’s hazards while reflecting on how WASH interventions must adapt to environmental risks.
Before the program concluded, participants dedicated a day to group assignments on the theme “Disaster Risk Reduction through WASH Interventions during Emergencies.” Their presentations, focused on the Bandung Basin, integrated lessons from both classroom and field experiences.
The final day featured an insightful lecture on gender equality and inclusiveness in WASH by Prof. Dr. Tanvir Ahmed, Regional Director of GSGS RH SSEA. His session emphasized designing WASH facilities that are safe, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of women and vulnerable groups. Participants then presented their assignments, showcasing diverse perspectives and creative solutions developed throughout the program. In his closing remarks, Prof. Ahmed highlighted the global shortage of skilled WASH professionals and encouraged participants to continue contributing to this vital field. The program concluded with an award ceremony, celebrating the commitment and achievements of all participants.
“The group performances and activities not only strengthened technical skills on WASH but also created meaningful friendships and strong connections among participants from different countries,” – Thiri Zaw at the conclusion of the program.
Alongside academics, the program incorporated cultural immersion activities. Students engaged in various cultural and exchange events, including performances at Saung Angklung Udjo in Bandung, a cultural center dedicated to preserving Sundanese arts, particularly the Angklung, a bamboo musical instrument recognized by UNESCO. These cultural exchanges helped participants build friendships and international networks while gaining a deeper appreciation of Indonesian heritage.
By participating in the I-WASH Summer Course 2025, AIT students expanded their academic and professional horizons, strengthened their practical skills, and deepened their understanding of WASH challenges in emergencies. Through a dynamic combination of lectures, fieldwork, and cultural experiences, they gained not only knowledge but also lasting international connections.