ITS Campus, ITS News — The Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) once again presented TEDxITS at the Auditorium of the ITS Research Center Building on Sunday (June 7). With the theme “Point of View,” TEDxITS 2026 invites young people to view life, science, and social change from a broader perspective.
In his remarks, Ryan Adi Djauhari, Head of the ITS Public Communications Unit (UKP), SIkom MIkom, stated that the world is never truly black and white. He emphasized that differences in perspectives are not meant to determine who is right, but rather to foster empathy, sympathy, and innovation. “Intelligence isn’t just about academics; it’s also about how we behave and how we open our minds,” he reminded.
Raihan Raqilah Setiawan, ST, MT, or Material Raqil, presented a keynote address at TEDxITS 2026. Through her Material Mindset, she encouraged the audience to understand that one perspective alone is not enough to fully understand something. She cited the example of materials, whose properties are not solely determined by their external form but also by their structure, processing, and even their use. “Stronger isn’t always better, as each property has its own positive and negative aspects,” she explained.
In his presentation, Raqil emphasized that we need to view things from multiple perspectives. Just like materials, humans cannot be judged too quickly from just one perspective. He believes that processing and development can change a person’s qualities. Similarly, processing a material can affect its structure, properties, and performance. “Don’t be too quick to judge, as there are always other perspectives to consider,” he advised.
In another session, Sudirman Said SAk MBA shared his view that life doesn’t always proceed in a linear fashion. Drawing on his experience in public service, social movements, and corporations, he emphasized that change requires new elements and perspectives. “To grow, one must dare to break out of one’s comfort zone,” emphasized the former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of the Republic of Indonesia from 2014 to 2016.
TEDxITS 2026 also featured other speakers who explored humanity from various perspectives. Intan Fitri Hardyanti encouraged the audience to view the position between two choices as an opportunity to understand the world more broadly. Ariq Naufal discussed the importance of organizing ideas to convey a meaningful message. Diya Afi also highlighted failure as part of the learning and self-discovery process.
Additionally, Aeshnina Azzahra Aqilani urged the younger generation to be more sensitive to issues often overlooked by society. Maheswara Yogha Putra Al-Araha emphasized that feelings of impasse often arise from taking too big a step. Zeta Raniry Abidin offered perspectives on expression, color, and how humans interpret things without always having to explain them in words.
Overall, TEDxITS 2026 provided a space for reflection for students and the general public to understand that significant change can arise from different perspectives. Through the theme “Point of View,” the event emphasized that ideas need not only to be heard but also understood from multiple perspectives to foster empathy, courage, and concrete action. (ITS Public Relations)
Reporter: Asher Yedijah Hoesono