The Biotechnology Undergraduate Program, a new initiative under the Department of Biology at ITS, focuses on the technological utilization and management of natural resources

ITS Campus, ITS News — To optimize the potential of Indonesia’s natural and human resources, the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has established an Undergraduate Program in Biotechnology under the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Data Analytics ITS (in Indonesian terms, Fakultas Sains dan Analitika Data, abbreviated and will be referred to as FSAD). This new program, set to launch in 2025, will be highly competitive, with an intake quota of 40 students across all available admission pathways.

Head of the Biotechnology Study Program at ITS, Triono Bagus Saputro SSi MBiotech PhD, stated that the establishment of the program is an effort to foster independence and innovation among Indonesians through the practical application of biotechnology. He emphasized that Indonesia’s reliance on imported products—such as fermented goods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals—reflects a lack of effective management and utilization of the country’s abundant natural resources.

The man who is familiarly known as Tri gave an example: the importation of vaccines during the recent pandemic highlights the suboptimal application and utilization of biotechnology in Indonesia. In fact, he emphasized that the country has many skilled practitioners and researchers capable of meeting the needs of the Indonesian people. “Especially in terms of producing products related to biological sciences,” he explained.

The ITS Biology undergraduate alumnus emphasized that the new study program will be designed to align with current industry needs and trends. It will cover key areas such as molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, forensic biotechnology, and various other branches of biotechnology. “As a result, biotechnology becomes a broad and inclusive field of study, applicable to industries, waste management, and even marine ecosystems,” explained the lecturer from the Department of Biology at ITS.

Triono Bagus Saputro, S.Si., M.Biotech., Ph.D., Head of the Biotechnology Undergraduate Program at ITS, explains the potential and career opportunities awaiting graduates of the program

In addition to offering promising fields of study, the new program will also provide a range of excellent learning facilities. Ten laboratories and greenhouses are planned to be established to support students’ academic and practical learning. “So, students don’t need to worry about the quality of education we are committed to providing,” said the 41-year-old lecturer.

In line with the growing urgency of this highly sought-after field, the lecturer at the Laboratory of Biosciences and Plant Technology assures that the ITS Biotechnology Study Program is designed to produce distinguished graduates. According to him, graduates of the program will have broad and promising career prospects. “They can work in the pharmaceutical industry, quality control departments, academia, and research,” said the Nganjuk-born lecturer.

Efforts aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 12, namely quality education and responsible consumption and production, can serve as a strong foundation for ITS’s continued development. “This contribution is expected to help realize Indonesia Emas 2045 through the proper utilization of the nation’s natural and human resources,” Tri expressed with hope.

For your information, the ITS Biotechnology Undergraduate Program has allocated 12 seats for the Achievement-Based National Selection (in Indonesian terms, Seleksi Nasional Berdasarkan Prestasi, abbreviated and will be referred to as SNBP), 16 seats for the National Selection Based on Tests (in Indonesian terms, Seleksi Nasional Berdasarkan Tes, abbreviated and will be referred to as SNBT), and 12 seats for the ITS Independent Selection. “Therefore, we look forward to welcoming the nation’s promising young men and women to this program,” he said. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Hibar Buana Puspa