The commemoration that was held at CIBE (Center for Infrastructures and Built Environment) is a special event because it includes the procession of MoU signing with the authorities of IKN (New Capital City), currently led by Bambang Susantono, 1982 Civil Engineering alumni.

The MoU was signed directly by the ITB Rector Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph. D., and the Head of IKN. The established MoU is related to the contributions of both parties in the field of education, research, and community service in hopes of ITB becoming a leading university in Indonesia.

The agreed scopes of the MoU are the following:

1. Cooperation in digitizing the development and management of IKN in terms of education, research, and community service
2. Implementation of innovative and beneficial technologies for both parties proportionally and effectively towards the transformation and digitization of IKN
3. Human resource development by implementing education and training
4. Improving the prospects of natural resources via research and studies
5. Suitable, directed, integrated, and sustainable planning and development

The campus’s reputation is heavily influenced by the contributions of its alumni. Thus, ITB welcomes those who wish to collaborate with them for the sake of the country. According to Prof. Reini, alumni are ITB ambassadors, with the identity of ITB being with them whenever they go. “The achievements of our alumni are also the achievements of ITB and vice versa.”

Until now, the alumni of ITB have synergistic missions to provide better services for the next generations of ITB. The programs offered by them encompass scholarships, public courses, funds, and more.

"When I finally accepted the offer to be the Head of IKN, I remembered what my father once told me,” Bambang recounted in his speech. “If there is a call from the state, I should not refuse it because it is a matter of knowledge and charity.” ITB itself also answers the call as soon as Bambang accepts the offer. Both of their determination became the very foundation of their partnership.

IKN is not just a new capital, but it is also an act of this nation’s transformation in various aspects. According to Bambang, IKN is determined by three factors- Investment, Knowledge, and Network.

To manifest sustainable forest cities, part of the plan is to allow three-fourths of its land to serve as forest areas. This plan requires knowledge and breakthroughs to happen; therefore, the establishment of a livable and lovable city with several initial facilities is targeted to become a reality by 2024.

Reporter: Lukman Ali (Mechanical Engineering, 2020)
Translator: Ruth Nathania (Environmental Engineering, 2019)