The ceremony was attended by ITB's committee, the academic community, as well as members of the Student Regiment (Menwa), and students serving as flag-raising troops.

Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jaka Sembiring, M.Eng., act as a master of the ceremony. During the event, he delivered a speech based on a message from the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, with the theme "Move Together, Continue Free Learning".

"It is not easy to transform a vast system, nor is it a simple endeavor to shift perspectives on the learning process. At the beginning of this journey, we recognize that effecting change requires struggle. Every step toward improvement and progress is accompanied by a sense of discomfort," he remarked.

"We witness students ready to contribute, empowered by the expanded learning spaces beyond the confines of the campus. Moreover, we celebrate the brilliance of creative endeavors as artists and cultural practitioners are continually encouraged to express themselves," said the Minister.

While the Independent Learning Program (Merdeka Belajar) has made significant strides in the past five years, the journey is far from over. The Minister emphasized the need to sustain this momentum, ensuring continued progress towards the realization of the educational aspirations of all Indonesians.

The speech concluded with the conveying gratitude from the Minister, Nadiem Anwar Makarim, to the community, at the end of his term of office. He hopes that the Independent Learning Program will be perpetuated by agents of change, guiding Indonesia towards a brighter future.

Reporter: Mely Anggrini (Meteorology, 2022)
Translator: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)
Editor: Kezia Hosana