The ceremony was attended by Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., as ITB Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jaka Sembiring, M.Eng., Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, and the Secretary of the Institute Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Widjaja Martokusumo, along with the Deans, Leaders, and some students.

Prof. Jaka explained that the hybrid learning was held to improve the academic atmosphere. During the direct learning, safety would always be put first. "Not only euphoric, the face-to-face lecture has been measured to improve and rebuild the academic atmosphere," he said.

Further, he explained that 18 months of online learning due to the pandemic would affect the learning outcomes. However, Prof. Jaka said that the face-to-face learning could not be held all at once. Thus, ITB now prioritizes practice activities, workshops, field lectures, or activities that are experiential.

Students who are going to graduate soon are also prioritized. ITB has also reopened their library with a limited capacity of 25 percent. "We encourage all academics to be health protocol ambassadors by being a good example in implementing health protocols," he said.

Prof. Reini emphasized ITB’s seriousness on holding face-to-face lectures. Direct learning activities have been well prepared by following government instructions and regulations. ITB Covid-19 Task Force team also continues to coordinate internally and externally, with other parties.

Tri Darma Perguruan Tinggi, or the three pillars of university is still being implemented during the pandemic. “During 18 months of online learning, education activities, researches, and community services have been going on. Learning outcomes are over all satisfying,” he continued.

That being said, ITB remained cautious against the pandemic. During the hybrid learning, ITB will always evaluate the regulations on campus.

Vaccines are Mandatory

Students who are entering the campus are required to be vaccinated for at least once. Based on the survey that has been done, about 70% of students have been vaccinated. For those who haven’t been vaccinated, ITB encourages them to be vaccinated immediately because this is an obligation for every student.

“There are many vaccination programs outside, but ITB can help to distribute vaccinations. From today we get used to new habits, Protect ITB, we care, we protect ITB civitas getting used to new habits," he explained.

One of the students who were attending the welcoming ceremony was Ilham Subandoro, an SBM student, Management Studies Program, 7th term, batch 2019. “I see the pandemic era as an opportunity, not an obstacle. I feel happy and proud to be back on ITB campus, to be able to meet lecturers and enjoy the facilities, as a way of maximizing all our potential and abilities," he said.

Translator: Tamara Maharani Alamsyah (Seni Rupa 2020)