Prior to the opening session, various activities, including participant socialization and registration, took place.

The event was graced by the presence of ITB’s board of directors and representatives from PT Pertamina (Persero), including ITB’s Rector Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., Corporate Secretary PT Pertamina (Persero) Brahmantya Satyamurti Poerwadi, Vice President Stakeholder Relations & Management Pertamina PT Pertamina (Persero) Rifky Rakhman Yusuf, Head of IEDI ITB Ir. R. Sugeng Joko Sarwono, M.T., Ph.D., Department Secretary of Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation IEDI ITB Dr. Irwan Gumilar, S.T., M.Si., and Manager Non-Government Relations PT. Pertamina (Persero) Probo Prasiddhahayu.

The CoRE ITB program (Co-creation Research of Entrepreneurship) is an entrepreneurial education program initiated by IEDI ITB, introduced in 2022 with financial support from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. The program's goal is to instill an entrepreneurial spirit among Indonesian students through four sub-programs that build upon each other:

1. ESC4PE: Entrepreneurship Summer Camp for Problem-Based Learning Education
2. Business Idea Generation
3. Entrepreneurship Development Program
4. Startup Business Incubation Program

In 2023, PT Pertamina (Persero) sponsored ITB, aiming to stimulate new ideas and contribute to educational improvement and human resource development in the energy sector through the Pertamina CoRE ITB program.

The Pertamina CoRE ITB program spans three months and can be converted into 6 credits. Each credit is equivalent to 29.7 hours, following ITB’s policy and accommodating the regulations of each university. This collaborative effort between the CoRE ITB program by IEDI ITB and PT. Pertamina (Persero) is designed to enhance the entrepreneurial landscape.

Dr. Irwan Gumilar, S.T., M.Si., Head Executive of the Pertamina CoRE ITB program, mentioned that in 2023, a total of 306 students from 25 universities were enrolled. While the majority of participants are from the Sumatra and Java regions, Dr. Irwan hopes for increased numbers in the coming years and broader university participation.

ITB’s Rector, Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., expressed full support for the Pertamina CoRE ITB’s implementation. This collaboration exemplifies how the synergy between academia and business can foster possibilities and innovative solutions.

Acknowledging the current energy challenges, Prof. Reini emphasized that addressing the issue requires a collective effort. She appreciated PT Pertamina (Persero) for their support and envisioned a long-lasting partnership.\

“ITB has established a comprehensive ecosystem ready to produce excellent human resources in entrepreneurship, especially in the energy field,” stated Prof. Reini.

Furthermore, Prof. Reini reminded participants that Pertamina CoRE ITB is not solely focused on technology. Referencing Chandran Nair (2021), she emphasized the importance of recognizing human issues alongside technology. She urged participants to create fundamental solutions.

“Don’t solely immerse yourself in the digital aspect; pay attention to human issues as well. Create fundamental solutions,” asserted the ITB Rector.

Meanwhile, Rifky Rakhman Yusuf, Vice President Stakeholder Relations & Management Pertamina PT Pertamina (Persero), expressed expectations for at least 15 innovation ideas to emerge from the Pertamina CoRE ITB program. The goal is for startups originating from Pertamina CoRE ITB to become pioneering ventures trusted by Indonesians, bringing invaluable contributions to Indonesian society.

Reporter: Pravito Septadenova Dwi Ananta (Geological Engineering, 2018)

Translator: Firzana Aisya (Bioengineering, 2021)