From Research to Downstream, ITS and Alumni Collaboration Boosts WCU’s Reputation
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Source : ITS Online
Dr Machsus ST MT explained the importance of the foundation of financial sustainability and collaboration with ITS alumni to support ITS’s vision as a world class university (WCU).
Balikpapan, ITS News — The Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) continues to strengthen its strategic efforts toward World Class University (WCU) Top 300 status by strengthening its alumni network and expanding industrial partnerships. These efforts were realized during the Alumni & Industrial Gathering held on Saturday (October 4) in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.
In his remarks, ITS Rector Prof. Dr. (HC) Ir. Bambang Pramujati, ST, MScEng, PhD, emphasized the central role of alumni in elevating ITS’s academic reputation globally. Alumni success in the professional and research worlds directly contributes to strengthening the alumni reputation indicator, which supports SDG 4, namely Quality Education. “Alumni are the face of ITS outside the campus, expanding access to learning from practitioners and improving graduate readiness,” he said.
In line with this, Bambang explained that the connection between alumni, campuses, and industry serves as a bridge for global collaboration in research and technology development. This collaborative ecosystem fosters innovation and downstream processes relevant to current needs. “From research projects to technology adoption in classrooms and laboratories, everything strengthens ITS’s international network,” he said.
Dr Machsus ST MT (second from left), Dr Darmaji SSi MT (far left), and several audience members at the Alumni & Industrial Gathering activity
Industry involvement is also seen as crucial to ITS’s transformation into a world-class university. According to a lecturer from the ITS Department of Mechanical Engineering , employer reputation and learning experience indicators can only be achieved if the university creates a space for intense collaboration with the workplace. “Industry is not just an external partner, but rather an integral part of the educational process, ensuring students are prepared to compete globally,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, ITS Vice Rector for Planning, Finance, and Infrastructure, Dr. Machsus ST MT, emphasized the importance of a foundation of financial sustainability in supporting ITS’s vision. He described the endowment fund as a vital instrument capable of ensuring the continuity of education, research, and community service programs. With the support of alumni and industry partners, the endowment fund is expected to strengthen financial sustainability indicators.
According to Machsus, alumni contributions aren’t always material, but also include networking, collaboration opportunities, and mentoring for students. He believes ITS’s financial sustainability will be strengthened if alumni and industry share a sense of ownership and commitment to their alma mater. “This collaboration also builds long-term accountability to ensure ITS remains relevant in facing global challenges,” he explained.
Group photo of ITS leadership and the ITS Alumni Association (IKA) Balikpapan Regional Representative during the Alumni & Industrial Gathering in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan
Warmly welcoming ITS’s presence in Balikpapan, Adhy Prasetya ST, a representative of the Balikpapan Alumni Association (IKA ITS), highlighted the role of alumni in the energy, construction, and technology sectors. He emphasized WCU’s challenges in transformative leadership, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and accelerating internationalization. Digital transformation and the adoption of artificial intelligence are emphasized to ensure graduates remain relevant. “This agenda emphasizes the importance of campus-alumni collaboration for sustainable impact,” Adhy emphasized.
Alumni from across East Kalimantan also expressed their readiness to act as ITS spokespersons to enhance the reputation of WCU by promoting alumni achievements and contributions. The Assistant Manager of GS at Pertamina Hulu Indonesia Zone 9 stated that all members of the ITS Balikpapan Alumni Association (IKA ITS ) are also ready to collaborate and respond to the ITS QS WUR to strengthen reputation indicators. This step is expected to increase the competitiveness of human resources (HR) and ITS’s contribution to East Kalimantan, the Indonesian Capital City (IKN), and Indonesia.
Assistant Manager of Pertamina EP Region 3 Zone 9 Adhy Prasetya ST when mentioning that all members of IKA ITS Balikpapan are ready to become collaborators and also respondents of QS WUR ITS to strengthen reputation indicators.
The forum also featured interactive discussions between alumni and industry partners. Several strategic inputs emerged, including strengthening structured internship programs, accelerating applied research aligned with industry needs, and developing new competencies in the energy, digitalization, and maritime sectors. The focus on energy transition and clean technology was further pursued through renewable energy research and industry laboratory partnerships, a contribution aligned with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
Through synergy between campuses, alumni, and industry partners, ITS is optimistic about accelerating its goal of becoming a world-class university. The focus is not only on improving global rankings but also on tangible contributions felt by the community through education, research, and community service. This approach underscores ITS’s commitment to delivering broad impact, strengthening the innovation ecosystem, and enhancing the competitiveness of its graduates. (ITS Public Relations)
