During the occasion, three new master’s study programs were introduced. Those are the Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry teaching programs. These study programs are under the authority of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) and were the first to open at ITB Cirebon Campus, precisely in Watubelah, Sumber.

Audiences who attended the activity were mostly science teachers from Cirebon, Brebes, Pemalang, and Batang with a total of approximately 300 people.

Director of ITB Cirebon Campus, Dr. Ir. Iwan Kustiwan, M.T. said that the opening of this new master study program is bound to the expansion of opportunities in terms of quality education within the Cirebon Industrial Estate, Patimbang, Kertajati (Rebana) led by ITB. ITB also plays a role in improving the grade of human resources through learning, as presented at the Cirebon campus.

"The purpose of these study programs is to develop the Rebana area. We want ITB prospective students to be well prepared from high school. Therefore, the teacher plays a very important role in order to raise the interest of prospective students. Thus, the ability and skills of the teachers shall be improved,” he said.

He also concluded that ITB Cirebon Campus will enter a third four-year cycle this year. In each cycle, there will be an addition to the study programs available on the campus. ITB Cirebon Campus in Arjawinangun will be the learning location for undergraduate programs. Meanwhile, the campus in Watubelah, currently a research center, will be used for master’s programs. As of now, master's programs at the Cirebon campus are held both online and in person.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the ITB Graduate School, Prof. Dr. Eng. Suprijadi, M.Eng., said that the role of teachers is crucial in increasing the interest and understanding of science in Indonesian children.

He also said that the industrial revolution from 1.0 to 5.0, is currently accelerating. Industrial changes have an effect on social conditions, including the way children learn over time.

"What plays an important role? Human resources. Those who transfer technology and knowledge are lecturers and teachers, especially those who support Golden Indonesia by 2045. We need to prepare," he said.

To face various challenges, he concluded that more than one program or multidisciplinary studies are needed. Teachers are required to be creative and innovative in learning, both by using technology and teaching materials with things that are more familiar to students.

Registration for prospective ITB postgraduate students in the first semester of 2024/2025 is carried out in 5 waves. The first and closest batch is open from February 13 to March 4, 2024. Meanwhile, the last batch is open from June 20 to July 18, 2024. Prospective students who went through various selections will start their studies in September 2024.

More information about ITB postgraduate programs can be accessed at ITB admission website.

Reporter: M. Naufal Hafizh
Translator: Kezia Hosana
Editor: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)