Organized by the Development Agency of the Rebana Metropolitan Area, Rebana Expo 2023 spanned two days, commencing from November 9 and concluding on November 10, 2023. The first day featured an exhibition at Gedung Negara Cirebon, followed by a series of visits to various sites of National Strategic Projects (PSN) in the Rebana area on the second day. The ITB Cirebon Campus, crucial for human resource development in the region, was the first location visited before notable sites like the West Java International Airport in Kertajati and the Patimban Seaport in Patimban.

Dr. Ir. Iwan Kustiwan, M.T., the Director of ITB Cirebon Campus, highlighted the institution's pivotal role as the epicenter for human resources development in the Rebana area. The campus offers a range of study programs, including Craft, Industrial Engineering, Urban and Regional Planning, Geophysics Engineering, Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Oceanography, with plans for further expansion.

In a collaborative effort with the Development Agency of the Rebana Metropolitan Area on August 9, 2023, ITB solidified its commitment to the region's development. Among the agreements was the construction of the Indonesian Metropolitan Study Center at the ITB Cirebon Campus, aiming to conduct studies on the development of Rebana, industry, aerocity, Patimban Seaport, and more.

Prof. Ir. Muhamad Abduh, M.T., Ph.D., the Vice Rector of Finance, Planning, and Development, affirmed ITB's commitment to enhance resources in potential areas through the establishment of multi campuses, with Cirebon being a strategic location for academic, research, and public service activities.

During the event, Bernardus Djonoputro, Chairman of the Development Agency of the Rebana Metropolitan Area, emphasized ITB's role as the main pillar for human resource development in Cirebon. He noted the visible impact of the ITB Cirebon Campus on its surroundings, expressing pride and appreciation from the local community.

The visit included a tour of various facilities at the Cirebon Campus, with a focus on the Metropolitan Study Center. This center engages in research and community services, collaborating with local communities to address socio-cultural and economic challenges through regional mapping.

With Rebana Expo 2023, the ITB Cirebon Campus aims to gain more recognition and contribute significantly to research, innovation, and human resource development. The campus aspires to make meaningful contributions to the nation, particularly to the Province of West Java.

Reporter: Pravito Septadenova Dwi Ananta (Geological Engineering ‘19)
Translator: Ariq Ramadhan Teruna (Chemical Engineering ‘21)
Editor: Vera Citra Utami