Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah Inaugurated as Rector of ITB for the Period of 2020-2025

By Adi Permana

Editor Adi Permana

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – Chair of Board of Trustees (MWA) of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) Yani Panigoro inaugurated Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., as Rector of ITB for the period of 2020-2025. Prof. Reini was inaugurated in Open Session of MWA ITB on Monday (1/20/20) at Aula Barat of ITB, Jalan Ganesa No. 10, Bandung.

Among the attendances were Vice Chair of The People's Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia Fadel Muhammad, Governor of West Java Ridwan Kamil, Chair of West Java Regional People’s Representative Council Taufik Hidayat, Territorial Military Commander III/Siliwangi Mayjen TNI Nugroho Budi Wiryanto, Chair of Regional Police Irjen Pol Rudy Sufahriadi, and West Java figure Popong Otje Djundjunan.

Chair of MWA-ITB Yani Panigoro believes that Prof. Reini as Rector of ITB for the period of 2020-2025 will bring new spirit to ITB in order to climb up to higher levels. She also wishes the best of Prof. Reini and her ranks in continuing the previous leadership with better accomplishments.

“Let us use our thinking capability and spirit to work together and do all our best under the leadership of the newly inaugurated rector for the advancement of ITB, for all of us, for the alma mater, and for the country. Good luck, Prof. Reini,” she said.

In his remark, Governor Ridwan Kamil wishes for Prof. Reini to use her position as Rector of ITB to bring many benefits. “Being inaugurated as a rector is not a destination but is the way to bring changes.” He said. “Hopefully, along this journey, Prof. Reini is aided by Allah SWT and be kept away from difficulties and dangers, and hopefully she will always bring inspiration,” he added.

After officially inaugurated, Prof. Reini expressed her gratitude to the MWA, Academic Senate, and academic society of ITB for the trust given to her. “I will carry out this mandate by continuing to give the best of my performance, with all humility and sincerity, dedication, integrity, and optimism,” she said.

Prof. Reini said that in order to give the best contribution, ITB is in crucial need for strategic partnerships with central and regional governments, industry and business circles, research institutions and higher educations both home and abroad, NGO, ITB alumni, and other elements of the community.

In addition, she continued, ITB also needs to strengthen and expand partnership both national and global. Therefore, she asks for supports from various parties in order to achieve “In Harmonia Progressio” as a way to achieve national dignity and world reputation.

Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah MSCE, Ph.D., is a professor in Construction Engineering and Management under the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering (FTSL) of ITB. Prof. Reini was born in Jakarta on 25 October 1968. She studied in Undergraduate Program in Civil Engineering of ITB in 1991, received her Master of Science in Civil Engineering in 1996 from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA, and earned her Ph.D in Civil Engineering in 1999 from Purdue University.

Selection Process for Rector of ITB had been carried out by MWA-ITB since August 2019. Prof. Reini is the 17th rector and also the first female rector of ITB. The inauguration ceremony also saw handover of rector title from Prof. Kadarsah Suryadi to Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah.

Reporter: Elisabeth Sirumapea (Management 2020)