The ceremony was attended by the entire ITB academic community, including the rector, vice-rectors, faculty members, staff, and new students.

Acting as the ceremony leader, ITB Rector Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., delivered a speech from the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Mendikbudristek). In her address, the Rector emphasized that independence would not have been possible without the collective struggle of the people, highlighting the importance of gotong royong.

“Indonesia’s independence is the result of struggle and the spirit of gotong royong. One example of this struggle in the field of education is the Merdeka Belajar movement. “We have made significant changes in many areas, from systems and workflows to mindsets. We faced various challenges together, and now we are reaping the sweet fruits of that struggle together,” she said.

The raising of the Indonesian flag by the student flag-raising team proceeded solemnly, while the ITB Student Choir and Waditra Ganesha ITB Marching Band added to the event’s celebratory atmosphere.

During the Independence Day ceremony at ITB Jatinangor Campus, the Rector also presented the Satyalancana Karya Satya awards for 30, 20, and 10 years of service from the Government of Indonesia and the 40, 35, and 25 years of service awards from ITB.

The event continued with the ITB New Student Orientation (PMB). According to data as of August 13, 2024, ITB welcomed a total of 6.433 new students for the first semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year. This number includes 4,734 undergraduate students, 1,530 postgraduate students, and 196 professional program students.

This was conveyed by ITB Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jaka Sembiring, M.Eng., during the ITB PMB 2024 event.

“Welcome to ITB's academic community, a prestigious academic community with a long history in the nation’s development. Congratulations on starting your journey as students, preparing yourselves for a bright future,” said Prof. Jaka.

He also advised the new students to become individuals who inspire and take steps toward becoming future leaders.

“Be someone who is beneficial to others, makes things easier for others, is always eager to learn, and has an innovative spirit to address the various challenges Indonesia will face in the future,” he added.

Reporter: Anggun Nindita
Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Management, 2024)
Editor: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)