In alignment with this, Indonesia is currently implementing various programs through its ministries, including the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). Kemendikbudristek successfully organized the ASEAN Higher Education Conference (AHEC) 2023, which was held in Bandung from August 24th to 26th. The AHEC event included participation from various higher education institutions in Indonesia, such as Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB).

The AHEC 2023 activities comprised pre-event, main event, side events, and post-event components. According to Dr. Harry Nuriman, M.Si., a lecturer at the Faculty of Arts and Design of ITB, the preparations for AHEC 2023 began in June. On Thursday, August 24, 2023, he noted that the Expo taking place that day was the primary event following a series of pre-events, which included webinars conducted by various universities.

The webinars covered various themes, including Innovation and Digital Transformation, Industry Connectivity, and Resiliency and Sustainability. ITB participated in the 6th webinar, which took place on July 12th, focusing on the topic of Innovation and Digital Transformation.

"Through this series of webinars, 38 State Universities have compiled a document called the Communiqué, which addresses matters such as equivalence, research collaboration, visiting professors, and more," explained Dr. Harry.

ITB's involvement in AHEC 2023 extended to the main event, where they set up a booth at Graha Sanusi Hardjadinata, located at Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Dipati Ukur No. 35, Bandung. At this booth, ITB showcased a range of innovative outcomes, including a startup created by ITB's LPIK, AntriQue.

Furthermore, the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Research (PPNN) introduced several innovations, including tool cleaning soap, waste cleaning soap, and Garchoc chocolate made from onions. One notable creation that garnered attention was the trident guitar designed by Harry Nuriman.

ITB played a significant role in achieving a crucial objective during AHEC 2023, in line with ITB's organizational values. "Our goal is to foster a culture that is both globally respected and locally relevant through our participation in AHEC and various exhibitions," he stated.

Dr. Nia Kurniasih, M.Hum., Chair of the Humanities Sciences Expert Group at FAD ITB and the ITB PIC for AHEC 2023, mentioned that engaging in activities such as AHEC 2023 is one way to accomplish this.

The event was attended by the Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jaka Sembiring, M.Eng. The ITB team responsible for preparing the AHEC Communiqué included Dr. Nia Kurniasih, M.Hum., Dr. Harry Nuriman, M.Si., Dr. Sutiadi Rahmansyah, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Prima Roza, S.E, M.Ed., and Dr. Dasapta Erwin Irawan, S.T, M.T.

The AHEC 2023 event concluded with its closing ceremony on August 26, 2023. In 2024, Laos will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship and host AHEC 2024.

Reporter: Kevin Agriva Ginting (Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering’20)

Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Management, 2021)

Editor: Vera C.U.