After getting recomendation letter from ICO of IPB, I went to Japan Embassy of Indonesia at Jl MH Thamrin, Jakarta. Bringing all documents I've filled out, and in the early morning I went to Jakarta. Yes, I'm from Bogor, and went by commuter line, stopped at Sudirman station. 

The day before, I already search the route of Japan Embassy through Google Maps. Yap, enough to prevent Lost in Jakarta, hehe. Also what kind of transportation should I use. And cause I don't really understand the position of Japan Embassy right after bundaran HI, I choose the safe way to use taxi. Although I'm sure that not really far away.

As arrived at Japan Embassy, I said to the security office that I would apply for visa. Then he open the door for me, fyi, the the door will not open if you don't ask the security guard. Then, I switch my KTP with the visitor ID. I entered the next door, yeah, the security is really tight. All of my bag being checked. And you should noted that do not bring anything harmful. 

After confirmed that I don't bring anything harm, then they unlocked the door automatically. Then I enter the other doors that already full with another person, I think so, the have the same matter as me. Then I put the number of queued, and not too long my number was called. I give all my document, then in a moment the recepcionist give me the proof of acceptance that will I used for the next visit, taking my visa. 

Okay then... less then five minnute. And lets go home. Eh, oh no.. I'll resolved my problem first in Sarinah plaza, that I have trouble with my booking flight :D

This is the first time for me joining something like this, ready or not, but the challenge must be winning. Okay, pake bahasa Indonesia aja karena target pembacanya adalah orang-orang senasib yang mungkin juga dag-dig-dug buat ngurus short visit visa, terutama yang belum familiar sama lokasi konjen-nya, terutama lagi mahasiswa IPB :D

Sipp, the first step is waiting for the invitation letter that sent to me (bacause only the original copy are permitted), after that I consulted my case in the ICO (International Collaboration Office). Denger-denger sih dulunya bisa urus visa lewat ICO, tapi kemaren waktu ke sana saya disuruh urus sendiri aja biar lebih murah, dan kali aja bisa gratis. Selanjutnya saya disuruh minta surat pengantar, minimal tanda tangan kadep, lalu nanti dikumpulkan bareng fotokopi pasport dan invitation-nya.

Agak lama sih, selama ngurus surat saya stuck di departemen 1 minggu, yakin 1 minggu karena tiap hari saya follow up, dan mentoknya di tandatangan pimpinan, dan itu wajar :D. Setelah surat pengantar dari departemen jadi, saya langsung buru-buru ke ICO untuk menyerahkan surat dan berkas-berkas lain yang diminta. Saya juga nggak lupa minta fotocopy rekening koran a.n. rektor, dan karena prosesnya cukup lama, saya diminta meninggalkan no HP dan akan dihubungi 2 hari kemudian.

Yap 2 hari kemudian, karena saya belum dihubungi juga, akhirnya pagi-pagi (sekitar jam 10an) saya mampir lagi ke ICO menanyakan surat-nya yang ternyata sedang dibuat. Saya diminta kembali siang hari setelah surat ditandatangani pimpinan.

Karena feeling besok saya harus apply visa ke Konsulat Jenderal Jepang di Jakarta, hari itu saya mulai lengkapi form (form-nya bisa cek disini) print foto sesuai ukuran, tulis itinerary dengan jelas (ini saya buat sesuai dokumen yang saya peroleh dari pihak Chiba University, meskipun saya harus berjuang mati-matian membaca tulisan kanji via google translate :D.

Yap, jam 14.30 WIB saya ditelepon dari ICO bahwa surat pengantar visa atas nama saya sudah selesai, dan saya langsung ambil ke rektorat. Sekalian sama fotokopi rekening koran-nya, sebenernya ini gak wajib sih, penggantinya bisa pake rekening koran punya kita sendiri dengan jumlah uang yang memadai untuk bea hidup kita selama di Jepang nanti. Meskipun sudah ada beasiswa yang menanggung kita di Jepang nanti, tapi berkas ini tetap syarat dalam pengurusan visa.

Setelah semua siap, yang nggak kalah pentingnya adalah mempelajari lokasi dan rute Japan Embassy di Jakarta, jangan sampai nyasar (atau minimal nyasarnya jangan jauh-jauh banget-lah). Karena lokasinya di Thamrin, perkiraan saya cukup naik kereta CL dari Bogor turun di Sudirman, dan sambung Trans-Jakarta, turun di sekitar-an Bundaran HI. Yap, trus dikasih link ini sama http://dwicadesyana.blogspot.com/2014/07/pejuang-visa-part-2-kedubes.html Ray, dan karena si penulis apply-nya juga baru awal-awal bulan ini, jadi kondisi real di lapangnya gak akan jauh berbeda.

The first time I enter Graduated Program of Agronomy and Horticulture, I promised on my self that I'll focuses only on academic literacy, not for other as in Undergraduate. But the first two months, I felt something unusual, I cann't management my schedule correctly, and when I have free time, I cann't use it wisely. And after then, I try to be active in my class activity such as join every class activities. Yes right, I have problem with my daily schedule.. and with activities in the class still not enough to solve my problem.

Then I look for FORSCA (Forum Mahasiswa Pascasarjana Dep. Agronomi dan Hortikultura or 'Graduate Students Forum of Department Agronomy and Horticuture'), just I imagine one day I'll be one of them, being on Information and Communication Department like before is interesting. Yap, during undergraduate I have been passed the time here, explore my skill on writing, photograph, also designing.. For someone else this is difficult, but for me this is interesting, and one day this will be my passion.

But out of my expectation, when the new candidate has been choosen, the time to arrange new composition of FORSCA, and I've determined to be a Secretary. The problem is not about I like it or not, but how could being responsible with that position. Actually, its not really hard to adapt, as for me always challenge my self with something new, as before I've experienced for being Secretary of Information and Communication in Student Executive Board. But as the time goes I by, as I already know, Secretary isn't that easy, isn't only on administration cases, but more than that, solve too many unpredictable cases.

July, 3th 2014 was our official inauguration. Inducted by our Head of Department Agronomy and Horticulture. This is not the end, only begining of our journey. And also for now, my daily days not only about study and research, but also about FORSCA.