The ceremony proceeded solemnly with a series of events, including the raising of the Red and White Flag, the reading of the Proclamation text, the delivery of a message from the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek), and the presentation of honors and awards for service to ITB faculty and staff.

The ceremony proceeded solemnly with a series of events, including the raising of the Red and White Flag, the reading of the Proclamation text, the delivery of a message from the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek), and the presentation of honors and awards for service to ITB faculty and staff.

Rektor ITB, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., bertindak sebagai Pembina Upacara. Dalam upacara tersebut, Rektor ITB membacakan amanat Mendiktisaintek Brian Yuliarto yang mengangkat peran strategis perguruan tinggi dalam meneruskan cita-cita kemerdekaan melalui pendidikan, riset, inovasi, dan pengembangan teknologi.In his message, the Minister of Education, Research, and Technology stated that Indonesia’s 81 years of independence represent both the legacy of the nation’s founders’ struggle and a responsibility for the current generation to realize an Indonesia that is sovereign, advanced, just, prosperous, and respected by the world.

Independence, he explained, is not merely a historical achievement but also a mandate that must be carried forward through concrete actions to bring about prosperity and a better future for all Indonesians.

“Higher education institutions are said to play a crucial role in realizing these aspirations. Universities are not only tasked with producing graduates and conferring degrees, but must also cultivate outstanding Indonesians who possess integrity, master scientific knowledge, love their nation, and are courageous enough to take responsibility for Indonesia’s progress,” said the ITB Rector.

Furthermore, universities are encouraged to become incubators for research, technology, and innovation capable of addressing the nation’s needs. Research should not stop at reports or publications but must be developed into prototypes, patents, products, and solutions that can be utilized by the public. “It is also hoped that technology-based startups, new industries, and quality job opportunities for Indonesia’s young generation will emerge from the campus,” he continued.

To achieve this, collaboration is key. Higher education institutions are expected to work together with the government, industry, state-owned enterprises, local governments, research institutions, and the community. Differences in background and academic disciplines should also be viewed as strengths that can be united to achieve a common goal: the progress of Indonesia.

“University leaders, professors, faculty members, researchers, educational staff, and students each have a role to play in shaping the nation’s future through education, research, service, and various contributions that benefit society,” said Prof. Tata.
This message also calls on the academic community to embody the spirit of independence through hard work and tangible achievements. Indonesia’s progress must be strengthened through talent development, research, innovation, and technology, so that universities can become a key hub in the nation’s struggle to achieve self-reliance.

This message also calls on the academic community to embody the spirit of independence through hard work and tangible achievements. Indonesia’s progress must be strengthened through talent development, research, innovation, and technology, so that universities can become a key hub in the nation’s struggle to achieve self-reliance.

Recognition for Service

In addition to the series of ceremonies, the commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at ITB’s Jatinangor Campus also featured the presentation of the Satyalancana Karya Satya Medal of Honor from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and service awards from ITB.

A total of 530 people received these awards. Of these, 478 received the Satyalancana Karya Satya Medal of Honor, comprising 34 individuals for 30 years of service, 9 for 20 years of service, and 435 for 10 years of service.

Meanwhile, the ITB service awards were presented to 52 individuals, comprising 26 with 40 years of service and 26 with 35 years of service.
The awards serve as a token of appreciation for the recipients’ dedication and service in supporting ITB’s progress. During the award ceremony, the ITB Rector presented awards to five representatives from each category, while the other recipients pinned their own awards.

The Independence Day commemoration at ITB’s Jatinangor Campus served as an opportunity to reinvigorate the spirit of service through science, technology, and tangible achievements. This spirit aligns with the message from the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology that independence must be filled with collaborative efforts to foster outstanding individuals, technology, and industries capable of making Indonesia increasingly self-reliant, sovereign, and prosperous.