Ayu Diyah Setiyani

What have been the highlights of your study? 
Even though my earlier studies are related to my study here, there is a lot of new knowledge I can learn at UNESCO-IHE. Some of the courses which I participate in are Hydrology, Agronomy, and other Water Management courses. Studying at UNESCO-IHE is very challenging, not only the courses themselves, but also the education system, that is totally different from the one in Indonesia. The highlight of my study is the integration of Water Management to ensure the availability of water, especially for food security. 

Why did you pick UNESCO-IHE for your studies? 
Due to my earlier study, which was Forestry, in combination with my work at the Ministry of Forestry. I chose to go to UNESCO-IHE, especially for the Land and Water Food Security Programme. In my job, one of the most difficult tasks is dealing with the community around the forests - most are conservation areas. The main problem is that the majority of residents in the community are doing agriculture activities to support their livelihood inside the forest area - which is a restricted area. Through my studies, it is possible to overcome the problem by improving the productivity of the residents. The objective is to minimize the expansion of their agriculture activities to the forest. 

How has the degree helped you with your career progression? 
The Master programme increases my capability and changes my way of thinking. I believe it will influence my work performance and career possibilities. 

Do you know what you will be doing afterwards? 
I am going back to my home country to put my knowledge from the course into practice. Furthermore, for the coming years I would like to study further.

What is it like to live in Delft? Do you like the atmosphere? 
Delft is a student city due to the existence of two large universities - TU Delft and UNESCO-IHE itself. Therefore, the atmosphere inspires and supports me in my studies. There are a lot of fun activities that I can do, for example join the Delft Project excursion. 
The Social Culture Officers from UNESCO-IHE were most helpful: they are active in informing the students about such things as where we can find stores for daily needs and fun things like King’s day activities, city events and other relevant information. I really enjoy this small city.   

Would you recommend UNESCO-IHE to prospective students?
For sure. Indonesia is a developing country and needs a lot of water leaders that can contribute to the development of the country.