President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto while delivering his presentation in the Briefing of the President of the Republic of Indonesia activity together with higher education institution leaders at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta

Jakarta, ITS News — Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) never stops continuously being involved in the development of the nation. This was proven through the participation of the ITS Rector Prof Dr (HC) Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng PhD along with his ranks in the Briefing activity of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, last Thursday (15/1).

Bambang stated that this event was a strategic direction forum between the president and academics. This activity involved around 1,200 higher education institution leaders, covering rectors, vice rectors, deans, and professors from state and private campuses throughout Indonesia. “This activity is designed as a space for consolidation of thoughts between the state and the academic community,” he added.

According to the Professor of Mechanical Engineering of ITS, the direct involvement of higher education institution leaders in this activity is due to the placement of academics as the brains of our country. This means the nation’s intellectual power has a moral-social responsibility to participate in answering development challenges and improving the community’s welfare. From there, higher education institutions are positioned as key actors of national development.

ITS Rector Prof Dr (HC) Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng PhD (far right) together with his ranks while attending the invitation of the Briefing of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta

The man from Yogyakarta also revealed that through the activity, the president conveyed a reading of the national and global situation, including geopolitical dynamics and challenges of national independence. In facing that situation, the strengthening of higher education quality became important to emphasize. “This covers the increase of lecturer capacity, development of research infrastructure, as well as the sustainability of higher education institution independence financing,” he explained.

The result of the discussion was a commitment to add national research funds from Rp 8 trillion to Rp 12 trillion in the year 2026. Furthermore, there is a reformulation of education scholarships to be wider and oriented in supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The agenda encourages higher education as an important pillar towards Golden Indonesia 2045.

Responding to this, Bambang views that ITS possesses a very relevant and strategic position in supporting the related agenda. As a higher education institution based on technology, science, and arts, ITS is on the front line of strengthening STEM and applied science. ITS itself also possesses strong capital to accelerate applied research and downstreaming, specifically in the food, energy, and industrialization sectors.

The ranks of higher education institution leaders throughout Indonesia while attending the Briefing of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta

Going forward, Bambang plans to sharpen the priority research portfolio that aligns with the national mandate. This is realized through the strengthening of the research consortium of the campus, industry, and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in ensuring impactful results. Furthermore, there is also a strengthening of the talent pipeline in the STEM field as well as integrity by design in its governance. “This includes support in the form of scholarships, achievement recognition, and integration with industry needs,” he added.

ITS participation in the agenda becomes an ITS commitment in supporting the realization of Sustainable Development Goals in point 4 regarding Quality Education and point 17 regarding Partnerships for the Goals. Bambang also hopes this can truly create a national impact. “Hopefully every higher education institution, certainly including ITS, is able to answer this mandate through real work,” he hoped. (ITS PUBLIC RELATIONS)

Reporter: Bella Ramadhani