The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia, M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, ITB Rector Tatacipta Dirgantara, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation Lavi Rizki Zuhal, Chair of the Academic Senate Edy Tri Baskoro, along with ITB leaders and representatives from related ministries.

In his remarks, the Minister of Transmigration expressed high appreciation for ITB’s commitment and contribution in supporting the development of transmigration areas through the Patriot Transmigration Program. He also commended the exhibition, noting that it clearly demonstrated the outcomes of collaboration between academia and the government.

“We from the Ministry of Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia highly appreciate not only the successful implementation of the Patriot Transmigration Program but also the initiative to organize this exhibition. This exhibition proves that transmigration today is evolving into a regional development program based on research, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration,” he stated.

ITB Rector Tatacipta Dirgantara emphasized that the Patriot Expedition represents a tangible manifestation of ITB’s role as an impactful university. He highlighted that sustainable innovation arises from the combination of academic excellence, social empathy, and direct engagement with communities.

“The Patriot Expedition reflects ITB’s commitment to delivering concrete solutions for national development. Innovation requires empathy, and sustainable solutions can only be achieved through partnerships and the presence of universities within communities,” he explained.

Vice Rector for Research and Innovation Lavi Rizki Zuhal added that the program has received a highly positive response from the ITB academic community. More than 700 ITB lecturers have actively participated in various community service initiatives as part of the collaboration with the Ministry of Transmigration throughout the year.

The ITB Patriot Expedition Program 2025 serves as an example of large-scale collaboration involving 57 interdisciplinary teams. The ITB Patriot Expedition Team Coordinator, Sri Maryati, explained that the program was supported by 57 lecturers from 12 faculties and schools at ITB, along with 228 active students and alumni who contributed directly in the field.

Over approximately 3.5 months (26 August–9 December 2025), the teams conducted activities in 29 transmigration areas across 21 provinces and various locations, ranging from Aceh to Papua. The locations spanned Sumatra, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and Papua, reflecting the program’s nationwide scope.

In the field, teams mapped regional potentials and needs through group discussions, observations, and in-depth interviews. The outcomes included recommendations for strengthening infrastructure, developing leading commodities, and implementing appropriate technologies tailored to local characteristics. All of these achievements were presented in the exhibition as a form of accountability as well as inspiration for the public.

Moving forward, the positive synergy between ITB and the Ministry of Transmigration is expected to continue and grow stronger. One of the initiatives includes the planned launch of the Patriot Scholarship Program in 2026, which aims to encourage students to conduct applied research while directly contributing to transmigration areas in support of independent, inclusive, and sustainable development.