During this visit, Ing. Radek Holy, Ph.D., the Vice Rector for Quality Management at CTU met with several key representatives from ITB, including Prof. Ir. I Gede Wenten, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, Prof. Dr. Taufiq Hidajat, D.E.A., Head of the Partnership Bureau, Prof. Dr. Eng. Suprijadi, M.Eng., Dean of the Graduate School, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FMAE), Alfend Rudyawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of Partnership Management, Andika Putra Pratama, MSM., Ph.D., and Irvan Christiawan S.T., Head of the Sub-directorate Student Admissions Administration.

Czech Technical University (CTU) stands as one of the foremost and largest technical universities in the Czech Republic. This institution is the oldest technical university in Central Europe and the world's pioneer in civil engineering. CTU offers various educational programs for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate studies, which are divided into eight faculties: the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Nuclear and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Transportation, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, and Faculty of Information Engineering.

Furthermore, CTU also expands its educational programs through six affiliated institutions: the Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies, Klokner Institute, Institute of Technical and Experimental Physics, University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics, and Institute of Physical Education and Sport.

Ing. Radek Holy Ph.D., shared positive experiences regarding the cooperation between CTU and ITB during this visit. Prof. Tatacipta Dirgantara, the Dean of FMAE, highlighted that 30-40 CTU students have engaged in exchange programs, whether it be double-degree or joint supervision within ITB’s Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering doctoral program. Prof. Dirgantara also expressed a keen interest in continuing and expanding this cooperation, especially within other majors offered by ITB’s Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FMAE).

ITB warmly welcomed the effort to broaden the cooperation and focused on joint research domains. Discussions also revolved around collaboration potential with the topic of cybersecurity as it has become increasingly important in today’s digital era.

Apart from it, delegations from both CTU and ITB also discussed the potential for student exchange programs. These programs aim to provide students from both institutions with the opportunity to learn and collaborate in a different academic environment. With this cooperation, it is expected to foster deeper connections between the two universities and create new opportunities for collaborative research and knowledge exchange.

ITB’s representatives discussed the efforts on introducing the Czech Republic as an attractive educational destination for Indonesian students. They highlighted the beautiful cities and affordable living costs which will be a considerable potential as an appealing alternative to pursue international education.

This meeting marked the beginning of a deeper and more comprehensive cooperation between CTU and ITB in various fields, particularly in the field of technology. Both parties are optimistic about this collaboration, which will benefit the academic and research development of both countries.

This collaboration showcased ITB’s dedication to keep on cultivating international partnerships that will enhance the educational experience through student exchange and even double degree programs with prestigious institutions like Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU).

Reporter: Iko Sutrisko Prakasa Lay (Mathematics, 2021)

Translator: Sherina Wijaya (Geological Engineering, 2019)

Editor: Hanna Daniela Ayu (Aerospace Engineering, 2021)