ITB’s rector, Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.d., remarked that this year will become her third occasion celebrating ITB’s journey as the oldest higher state institution in Indonesia, with its long journey filled with ups and downs. As invaluable assets, as well as the children of the nation, we also contributed to the long history of ITB through various regions and cultures, which instilled the richness of ITB.

Prof. Reini expressed her deepest appreciation towards ITB founders, who have laid the foundation of science, humanity, culture, and nationalism as the campus’ common ground. Higher education serves a purpose to contribute towards scientific knowledge, thus they must adapt with the dynamics of society to maintain the role and impact of said sciences in the public sphere.

The landscape and challenges faced by Indonesia have changed. Presently, a myriad of scientific fields evolves intensively and the flow of knowledge circulates with a speed that can reach the whole wide world, which presents new opportunities and challenges.

The Rector stated that ITB possessed a distinctive status— “We are a reservoir that accumulates the lengthy development of knowledge, as well as the engine that develops and disseminates said knowledge. Through interacting and collaborating closely with partners from various communities, we could amplify our impact in society,” she declared.

The existence of higher education does not automatically implore progress in society. Impact will emerge when institutions become aware, and actively choose to create one. Treading the path that thoroughly curates towards a systematic knowledge exchange is a conscious and methodical effort, designed and executed appropriately. “It’s the exchange that we are emphasizing— not knowledge,” affirmed Prof. Reini.

The academic community in ITB must be able to realize its role as an agent of exchange. There are three key steps to achieve such. Firstly, an effort to identify the needs of partners and the output possessed by higher institutions systematically through dialogue. Secondly, communicate on the ground of openness, trust, and consultation. Thirdly, active endeavors from various parties to encourage knowledge exchange. It is important to implement the three keys for a responsive execution.

“ITB 2025 is committed to develop its position as a globally respected, locally relevant university. Therefore, ITB will be capable of becoming nationally impactful,” asserted the Rector.

Currently, ITB is preparing towards its huge transformation as the agent of knowledge exchange. Prof. Reini hoped that dialogue and trust will build a mutual understanding and a strong amity.

Reporter: Pravito Septadenova Dwi Ananta (Geological Engineering, 2019)
Translator: Firzana Aisya (Bioengineering, 2021)