Prof. Reini started her speech by congratulating graduates for finishing their studies. “Now, all of you gain a greater responsibility to contribute to the people of Indonesia,” she noted.

Prof. Reini believed that completing all studies during a pandemic is not an easy task. It has been 20 months since ITB was reopened with limitations to follow the necessary health protocols. The fruits of achievement earned by graduates are the results of patience and perseverance during these times.

Prof. Reini mentioned ITB’s transitional period that implements face-to-face learning. Despite the prediction of the pandemic ending soon, she reminded the audience not to be swayed by this good news. “Although the COVID-19 cases have diminished, few still fluctuate in several regions,” she reasoned. Because of this, the “Back To Campus” event was backed with strict health precautions and protocols.

After finishing their studies in ITB, the graduates will return to the reality that is societal life. Prof. Reini stated that both do not necessarily mean to be separated. “ITB is inseparable from both society and industries.”

All curriculums in ITB are designed based on industrial and social needs. Various research are conducted as responses towards both issues. However, we will not be guided by any curriculum once we enter society. Hence, graduates must plan and handle their own learning journey as their assets in the real world.

Prof. Reini mentioned two essential factors for this learning process- the concept of lifelong learning and an out-of-the-box mindset. Lifelong learning is the continuous learning process throughout life. It is informal and unstructured; thus, it can be applied in daily activities like discussions, journaling, and more. Although several obstacles might hinder progress, these adversities can bring benefits such as better cognitive skills, social interactions, and more.

Thinking out-of-the-box is the key to brainstorm creatively. The word “box” describes the restraints in minds that exist as assumptions people are aware and unaware of. These assumptions often become barriers that stop people from self-reflecting.

“To think out-of-the-box, we must come to terms with the assumptions formed in our heads. Then, we can sort them based on their worth. Discarding our own assumptions that we are familiar with may be difficult as we often refuse to acknowledge those proven false. However, we must accept them as such to proceed ‘outside’. If we never go ‘into the box’ and reflect on ourselves, we will never progress ‘outside the box’ to reassess the assumptions,” she explained.

On the other hand, Prof. Reini informed about ITB’s support towards the vaccination and PPKM programs issued by the government. These programs are designed for everyone's safety. “The faster we control the spread of COVID-19, the faster we can recover from its damage,” she concluded.

Prof. Reini hoped that the graduates can contribute to the growth of Indonesia. “In Harmonia Progression, may God grace upon this country to free us from the pandemic and achieved a better life,” she prayed with the graduates.

Reporter: Kevin Agriva Ginting (Teknik Geodesi dan Geomatika, 2020)
Translator: Ruth Nathania (Teknik Lingkungan, 2019)