Prasanti Widyasih (Asih) Sarli
Current Position: Lecturer and Researcher, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB)
Degree at UTokyo: PhD (2015)
Department: Civil Engineering
Laboratory: Bridge and Wind Laboratory
Research at SEUT
My research focused on the extreme loading of wind turbines during operation. Through this work, I studied how wind turbine structures respond to challenging loading conditions and contributed to a better understanding of their performance and safety.
Why I Chose SEUT
The University of Tokyo has an outstanding reputation and had long been a dream of mine to attend. When the opportunity arose to pursue my studies at SEUT, it felt like a chance to learn in an environment known not only for academic excellence but also for pushing the boundaries of engineering and research.
Memorable Experiences
There are many good memories from my time at SEUT, but some of the most memorable were the days spent working intensively on my research. The challenges, long hours, discussions, and gradual process of discovery shaped not only how I approach research today but also how I think as an engineer.
Beyond research, I am incredibly grateful for the many opportunities the University of Tokyo provided to broaden my horizons. Through public lectures, structured courses, and university-wide programs, I was exposed to ideas and disciplines beyond my own field. These experiences significantly expanded my understanding of what engineering can be and the role engineers can play in society.
The vibrant international community at SEUT was equally important. Studying alongside people from many different countries and backgrounds gave me a broader perspective on the world. Even today, I often reflect on the experiences and viewpoints I gained during those years.
Challenges and How I Overcame Them
The biggest challenges for me were cultural and language barriers. Coming from Southeast Asia, where warmth and friendliness are often expressed openly, I initially found social interactions in Japan more reserved and distant. At times, this could feel quite lonely.
Over time, however, I learned to recognize the warmth within that distance and to understand that care, friendship, and kindness can be expressed in very different ways. I worked to build relationships with Japanese friends, many of whom became lifelong friends and remain important to me today.
Looking back, navigating these differences became one of the most valuable aspects of my experience in Japan. What I learned about Japanese culture continues to help me build meaningful and productive relationships with Japanese colleagues and collaborators in my professional life.
Personal and Professional Growth
SEUT fundamentally changed my perspective on engineering. Before studying there, I saw engineering primarily as a technical discipline focused on calculations and finding the correct answer. My experiences at SEUT taught me to view engineering as a way of understanding and solving problems, and civil engineering in particular as something deeply connected to people and society.
Engineering is ultimately about how people live, how societies function, and how we can create safer and better environments. This perspective has remained with me throughout my career. As a lecturer, I often encourage students to look beyond calculations and to understand the people and communities behind the problems they are trying to solve. It has also shaped the way I communicate engineering and science to the wider public.
I believe this perspective is becoming even more important in the age of AI. While technical tasks may increasingly be supported by machines, the human dimension of engineering, understanding context, making judgments, recognizing people's needs, and taking responsibility for our decisions, is what will continue to distinguish engineers and keep the profession relevant.
Career Path
After graduation, I worked briefly with the Indonesian government and with a non-governmental organization, experiences that allowed me to view engineering from both policy and community perspectives.
I later returned to academia and joined Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), where I currently serve as a lecturer and researcher in Civil Engineering. My work combines teaching, research, and public engagement, particularly in the areas of structural engineering, disaster risk reduction, and infrastructure resilience. In many ways, my career has allowed me to integrate the technical foundation of engineering with the broader societal perspective that I developed during my time at SEUT.
Message to Prospective Students
The University of Tokyo is one of the world's most respected institutions for a reason. Its contributions to Japan are immense, while the knowledge, research, and expertise that emerge from SEUT continue to have an impact far beyond Japan.
For international students, SEUT offers more than the opportunity to study engineering at the highest level. It is also a place to broaden your horizons, deepen your understanding of Japan, encounter people and perspectives from around the world, and perhaps rethink your own understanding of engineering and its role in society.
If you are looking for a place where you can learn deeply while expanding the way you see Japan, the world, and your own field, I believe SEUT is an excellent place to be.