ITB’s international graduates are part of the Institute’s efforts to build long-term networks with countries across the Global South through education, alumni engagement, and opportunities for cross-border collaboration.

To celebrate the international graduates, ITB, through the Directorate of Partnership, held a Graduation Appreciation Event for KNB and TIAS Scholarship Students at the ITB International Relations Office (IRO), Jalan Ganesha No. 17F, Bandung, Friday (21/8/2026). Nine international graduates attended the event, consisting of eight TIAS scholarship recipients from Tanzania and one KNB scholarship recipient from Timor-Leste.

Graduation Marks the Beginning of Contribution

ITB Vice Rector for Communication, Partnerships, Alumni Relations, and Administration, Dr. A. Rikrik Kusmara, said that graduation did not mark the end of the relationship between the international students and ITB.

“I hope you take with you not only the knowledge and skills you have gained at ITB, but also the friendships, experiences, and values you have built here,” he said.

He expressed hope that the graduates would use these experiences and knowledge to contribute to their communities and countries while serving as bridges between ITB and the environments in which they would pursue their careers.

“Your relationship with ITB does not end today. You are now part of the ITB alumni family. Please stay connected with us and with one another,” he said.

Bringing Knowledge from ITB to Tanzania’s Industry

One of the graduates from Tanzania, Kelvin Elimada Ojango, completed his master’s degree at ITB’s Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD), with a focus on maintenance. He said that the opportunity to study through the TIAS program had provided benefits far beyond academic achievement. In addition to strengthening his knowledge of mechanical engineering, the program allowed him to gain exposure to industry practices and build networks with academics and professionals in Indonesia.

“Studying in Indonesia and interacting directly with industry has given me many skills that I can apply in my country,” he said.

Kelvin’s research focused on Reliability-Centered Maintenance in the oil and gas sector. The knowledge he gained in this field is among the expertise he intends to bring back to Tanzania.

“I want to share this knowledge with young professionals in Tanzania and help address real-world industrial problems, particularly in the oil and gas sector,” he said.

Inspired by Indonesia’s Infrastructure Development

A different experience was shared by Derick Elvis Kamala, another graduate from Tanzania who pursued a master’s degree in ITB’s Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He said that the scholarship program provided valuable international exposure by allowing him to meet students from various countries. The experience not only broadened his academic perspective but also helped him build networks and greater confidence in decision-making.

One aspect of Indonesia that particularly impressed him was its infrastructure development, especially road construction.

“I will try to apply the knowledge and skills I gained at ITB during my master’s studies in Tanzania so that I can contribute to developing infrastructure in my home country,” he said.

Derick chose Indonesia because he saw its technological and developmental progress as a valuable source of learning. He chose ITB in particular because of its reputation and strengths in engineering education.

ITB Directorate of Partnerships Supports Students Even Before Their Arrival

Throughout the educational journey of the scholarship recipients, ITB's Directorate of Partnerships plays an important role in supporting students from before their arrival in Indonesia until the completion of their studies.

The support begins during the pre-arrival stage, including admissions administration and visa arrangements. Once the students arrive, ITB's Directorate of Partnerships coordinates administrative processes, Indonesian language learning, their transition to their respective faculties or schools, as well as various needs throughout their studies.

Beyond academic and administrative matters, international students also participate in various cultural activities, including Cultural Day, which helps them learn more about Indonesia while engaging with ITB’s international community.

The KNB and TIAS programs are part of the Indonesian Government’s international education initiatives for students from various developing countries.

In addition to Tanzania and Timor-Leste, international students currently studying at ITB through these programs come from several other countries, including Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, the Solomon Islands, and Saint Lucia.