Prof. Reini stated that science, in nature, was a reflection of human life. When viewed from an academic standpoint, this nature created a spectrum of knowledge that was not only broad but also dynamic. The evolution of scientific knowledge displayed diversity, from which various disciplines were born, although they remained integrated. Science continued to develop and transform every imaginable aspect of human life.

However, the Rector asserted that this diversity was also a double-edged sword. The spectrum of knowledge, with its different disciplines, caused a contestation among them. This resulted in one of the main problems of the current modern world: a portrayal of human life that needed to be more focused on differences.

"It is not uncommon for academics to debate the identity and status of their disciplines. They often argue about which one is pure, which one is mixed, which one is main, and so forth. This predicament only presents a bleak image of human life: high contrast and low resolution," said Prof. Reini.

Looking at these problems gave the impression that the room for dialogue had always been closed, making it difficult to work together for a common goal. Solutions deemed good were incompatible with one another, creating another problem: unsustainable well-being.

Prof. Reini revealed that the initiation of cross-disciplinary, inter-disciplinary, and trans-disciplinary academic programs, which ITB and other universities had implemented, was an effort to overcome the aforementioned problems. Thus, there would be a bigger opportunity for discussion between disciplines, in which academics could collaborate for a common goal towards the sustainable well-being of human life. "Through these programs, it is hoped that the barrier between disciplines will diminish, making it possible for dialogue and collaboration to emanate," she said.

Prof. Reini specified ITB as an example. Formerly, ITB only focused on mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, arts and design. However, ITB in recent years expanded its scope, now covering social sciences and humanities.

As one of the most renowned universities in Indonesia, the Rector declared that ITB would continue to do its best to achieve sustainable well-being for Indonesia and the world. The inauguration of ITB FAD Design Centre was to realize that very objective.

"Though compact in size, I hope that the ITB FAD Design Centre will be able to contribute to realizing ITB's goals in the future. May its impact benefit the people," concluded the Rector.

Reporter: Nathan Aristiphano (Microbiology '21)
Translator: Ariq Ramadhan Teruna (Chemical Engineering '21)