Akhmaloka said that, a number of sources have mentioned that Southeast Asia will determine world's future. This should trigger ITB, the institution with reputable achievement in Asia, to compete and to collaborate for the nation's development. He also added that both the competition and collaboration should be done intensively.

In his speech, Akhmaloka stated that the world's top universities' principals are in fact, not the supporter of university ranking system. A number of Rectors addressed this in International President Forum. "The ranking system is inevitable. When a university refuses to participate in the ranking, they will not be recognized," said Akhmaloka.

ITB, the Nation's Hope

"The people now have high expectations towards ITB. I am proud, and at the same time, sad to hear this. This shows how the people are not used to do things on their own feet. Moreover, ITB does have limitations," Akhmaloka emphasized.

At the end of his speech, Akhmaloka asks the civitas academics to put their nose in the grindstones to finally stand up as nationalistic World Class University. He also hopes that this year, ITB makes higher achievement than it did in last year.