The event, which was attended by all the ITB student organizations starting from student major associations, the student cabinet, up to student units, became one of the offline opening activities at the Ganesha Campus to start the new ITB academic year. This event was filled by several presenters, including ITB Rector Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., Director of Education Dr.techn. Ir. Arief Hariyanto, Director of Facilities and Infrastructure Dr. Herto Dwi Ariesyady, S.T., M.T., as well as Director of Student Affairs D. Arch. G. Prasetyo Adhitama, S.Sn., M.Sn.

“We want to build back a strong academic atmosphere in the future even though restrictions between each other are still needed. We also want to build back non curricular activities as an integral part that can shape students to build their competence and survive in society. This event was opened as a way to dialogue with Ditmawa so that the ITB academic atmosphere can be strong and run well with ever continuing high enthusiasm. Hopefully what is expected from this event can be achieved,” G. Prasetyo Adhitama said.

In the spirit of building back the academic atmosphere, this event was also opened with a performance by one of the ITB student units Keluarga Paduan Angklung (KPA) ITB, which performed the song Manuk Dadali.

Meanwhile, ITB Rector Prof. Reini conveyed that this event was also a way for the rectorate to meet again with students since the rectorate should have been able to be closer to the students already.

“We want to create a globally respected and locally relevant university, where the campus atmosphere that is visited and seen by the public is never lacking in student activities. On this campus, it is time for students to try new things and take advantage of their greatest asset, namely time, and here students have many opportunities to compose CVs and divide their time between academics and organizations,” she said.

The Rector also commented that it was from this campus that the existing student activities could eventually form a strong alumni bond because the soft skills acquired can be brought and applied in everyday life.

As a way to dialogue directly with students, ITB Talks also answers issues that occur among students that require a quick resolution, for example, multi-campus issues that students have felt to still be under-appreciated by the campus, and campus access that are still limited sometimes.

"In the future, more student activities will be facilitated by the directorate, especially in the multi-campus division to encourage students to always be active regardless of their campus origin. Of course, there will be financial, infrastructure and mental health development assistance which will be coordinated at ITB's multi-campus," the Director of Education Dr. techn. Ir. Arief Hariyanto explained.

Reporter: Erika Mariana (Metallurgical Engineering, 2020)
Translator: Hanna Daniela Ayu (Aerospace Engineering, 2021)