ITS Chancellor Prof Dr (HC) Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MScEng PhD (center) while delivering his remarks

ITS Campus, ITS News — The Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) is promoting the strengthening of the maritime sector by initiating the Indonesian Maritime Higher Education Forum (Diktimarin). The forum, agreed upon by 25 universities across Indonesia, was held in a hybrid format on Wednesday (November 26) at the ITS National Ship Design and Engineering Center (Nasdec) Building.

ITS Rector Prof. Dr. (HC) Ir. Bambang Pramujati, MScEng., PhD., stated that the establishment of the Diktimarin Forum is a strategic step to unite various maritime universities in strengthening technology, research, and utilization of Indonesia’s marine resources. He emphasized the importance of this forum as a forum for curriculum harmonization, accelerating innovation, and strengthening networks between universities, industry, and the government. “This is the era of collaboration; if we want to grow faster, we must move forward together,” he said.

Chairman of the Diktimarin Forum, Prof. Ir. Eko Budi Djatmiko MSc PhD (left) giving a speech after being inaugurated as Chairman of the Diktimarin Forum

The Head of the Formation Committee, Ir. Tri Achmadi, PhD, revealed that various universities from western to eastern Indonesia, such as the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK), the Sumatra Institute of Technology (Itera), and several maritime and maritime polytechnics, as well as Diponegoro University (Undip), Hasanuddin University (Unhas), Hang Tuah University (UHT), the University of Indonesia (UI), Pattimura University (Unpatti), and UPN Veteran, also contributed to the formation of the Diktimarin Forum.

Tri explained that the Diktimarin Forum was formed to bring together various universities to strengthen the quality of maritime education institutions. This quality improvement will be articulated by formulating maritime initiatives through three educational pathways. “These include technology, vocational studies, and professions, which currently lack a shared curriculum,” he said.

ITS Chancellor Prof Dr (HC) Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MScEng PhD (sitting in the middle) with representatives of maritime universities after the formation of the Diktimarin Forum

Furthermore, this forum is expected to strengthen the development of superior maritime human resources through cross-institutional collaboration. The lecturer from the ITS Department of Marine Transportation Engineering also emphasized that this collaboration can be realized through student exchanges, research collaborations, shared educational facilities, and the development of joint programs that support improving the quality of maritime education both nationally and internationally.

The event, which began at 5:00 PM, began with a meeting of the formators to determine the candidate for General Chair of the Diktimarin Forum. As a newly formed organization, finalizing its internal structure was one of the first steps initiated by Tri and the formators. “The election of the candidate for chairman was carried out by acclamation based on the results of a joint deliberation with the formators,” he explained.

Chairman of the Diktimarin Forum Prof. Ir. Eko Budi Djatmiko MSc PhD (right) with Chairman of the Formation Ir. Tri Achmadi PhD after the formation determination

Following the formator meeting, the event moved on to the ratification of the minutes and the inauguration of the candidates for general chair and the Diktimarin Forum itself. Based on the deliberations, Prof. Ir. Eko Budi Djatmiko, MSc., PhD., from the ITS Department of Ocean Engineering, was appointed as the first Chair of the Diktimarin Forum. This appointment marked the beginning of collaboration within Indonesian maritime higher education through research, curriculum harmonization, and the development of globally competitive maritime human resources.

As the elected chairman, Eko stated that this mandate carries a significant responsibility to advance maritime higher education in Indonesia. He emphasized the need for collaboration to produce realistic and impactful programs for the national maritime sector.

ITS Chancellor Prof Dr (HC) Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MScEng PhD (right) and Chairman of the Formation Ir Tri Achmadi PhD when delivering the results of the meeting

By leveraging existing facilities, resources, and international networks, Eko is optimistic that this forum can contribute at the regional and global levels. “Hopefully, this forum can have a massive and significant impact on the nation and state,” said the ITS Professor of Ocean Engineering.

Closing the event, Retired Admiral Prof. Dr. Marsetio, Advisor to the Diktimarin Forum, expressed his appreciation for the formation of this forum, initiated by ITS and supported by various universities in Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure that strengthening maritime education can proceed harmoniously and have a tangible impact.

Marsetio also highlighted the need for a common platform capable of promoting the advancement of the national maritime sector. He hoped that the Diktimarin Forum could bridge synergy between universities and the government. “Let’s close ranks for the advancement of Indonesia’s maritime sector,” he emphasized.

The establishment of the Diktimarin Forum also supports the achievement of several points in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , including point 4 on Quality Education and point 17 on Partnerships to Achieve the Goals. (ITS Public Relations)