ITS Campus, ITS News — As one of Indonesia’s top universities, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) is steadily consolidating its position on the path to becoming a World Class University (WCU). By implementing various programmes based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ITS continues to advance its journey towards WCU through initiatives that strengthen the institution’s reputation and contribute tangibly to greater society.
This journey is compiled in ITS Point Magazine XXI Edition, recording ITS’s commitment to break a WCU through SDGs, from developing a world-class research ecosystem, contributions by students and alumni worldwide, until efforts to build a green and sustainable campus culture. Each story presented reflects how ITS has grown not only as an academic institution, but also as a pioneer of change that makes a difference to society, the environment and the world.
Supporting the SDGs Program, ITS Sets Sights on the World’s Top 300
With the lead of ITS Rector Prof Dr (HC) Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MScEng PhD, ITS keeps getting stronger on the international stage through various WCU programmes based on the SDGs. The current position of ITS at 509th in the QS World University Rankings serves as a strategic foundation for continued progress, in line with the full commitment of the academic community to realising an academic ecosystem with broad impact.
The Rector, commonly known as BP, emphasised that rankings are not the primary focus. Several SDG-based programs, such as the training of 1,000 AI Ambassadors, the Double Track programme in collaboration with secondary schools in East Java, international research collaborations, and environmental initiatives through the Gugur Gunung program, prove that ITS prioritises social impact as the guiding principle in its journey towards the World’s Top 300.
Accelerating a World-Class Research Ecosystem at the Campus of Heroes
The ITS’s commitment to becoming a world-class research university by 2030 has been reinforced through the formulation of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, which focuses on four priority industrial clusters: maritime, automotive, information and communications technology, and the creative industries. The Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Prof. Agus Muhamad Hatta ST MSi PhD, confirmed that this research direction is designed to ensure the university’s research outcomes address real-world challenges in society.
To accelerate this process, ITS has been selected as one of seven state universities with independent financial status (PTN-BH) in Indonesia to receive EQUITY funding from the LPDP. From 470 proposals submitted, 260 were accepted, with a minimum publication standard of Q1 and Q2, and a requirement for a strong relevance to the SDGs to ensure that ITS’s research is oriented towards real solutions to global issues.
Returning to Make Impact, Graduates Elevate ITS Globally
The contributions of ITS alumni are more than the pride of their institution. Under the leadership of the Chair of the IKA ITS Executive Board, Ir Wiluyo Kusdwiharto ST MBA IPU ASEAN Eng, work programs for 2025 are centred on three main pillars: strengthening networks, expanding contributions to the institution and the nation, and social empowerment. This initiative is being realised, amongst other things, through IKA ITS Overseas, which focuses on four pillars of work for alumni abroad.
To ensure that alumni potential is optimally mapped, IKA ITS has launched the Alumni Data Management (MIDA) digital platform. Along with the Alumni Talent Accelerator programme and the 1,000 Alumni Mentors initiative, the contributions of graduates flow back to the university as a tangible force driving ITS ever more firmly on its journey towards WCU status.
Empowering SDGs, ITS Reaches a New Milestone as a World-Class University
ITS has proven its dedication to environmental sustainability through a series of policies based on the principles of the SDGs and Smart Eco-Campus. Coordinated by the Head of the ITS SDGs and Smart Eco-Campus Unit, Danar Guruh Pratomo ST MT PhD, ITS has planted over 2,100 tree seedlings to mark its 65th Anniversary and launched the tree.its.ac.id platform to enable the campus community monitor the growth of trees on campus.
This movement includes a policy of banning four-wheeled vehicles for new students, the expansion of pedestrian paths, the implementation of the 3R principles, and the installation of reverse vending machines for used plastic bottles. This consistency has led ITS to 67th place globally in the UI GreenMetric 2025 rankings and into the 201–300 band in the THE Impact Rankings 2024.
ITS On Patriot Expedition 2025 for Sustainable Development Program (SDGs)
Responding to the challenges of development in isolated areas of Indonesia, ITS has taken on a strategic role in the Patriot Expedition 2025 program organized by the Ministry of Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia. A total of 57 teams, composed of 228 students, were deployed to 33 transmigration zones across 17 provinces, led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Aulia Siti Aisjah, M.T., as Executive Chair.
The fieldwork focused on two main objectivesThe first was to formulate evaluative recommendations regarding the infrastructure and socio-economic conditions of the transmigration areas. The second was to design development strategies for the region’s key commodities. From effective communication training in East Kalimantan to economic assessments in Gorontalo, the ITS students gained valuable insights into the realities of Indonesia while learning the importance of community service.
Enchancing ITS Human Resource Capacity in Pursuit Global Recognition Aligned with the SDGs
To enhance its position in international rankings, ITS has designed five programs for human resource development: International Scientific Conference Presentation, Research Matchmaking, Adjunct Professor, Postdoctoral Researcher, and Sabbatical Leave. Coordinator of the WCU ITS Learning Experience and Employer Reputation Team Dr. Ir. Arief Abdurrakhman, ST, MT stated that achieving the 509th rank in the QS WUR has opened up access for ITS to EQUITY funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.
Through these programs, ITS faculty members are supported in collaborating with internationally renowned researchers, teaching at the world’s leading universities, and accelerating the production of Q1 and Q2 publications. ITS ensures that the journey toward WCU status is more than just an institutional goal, but also a community-wide movement involving the academic community.
Take a Look at the Journey of Almas Zafar, the ITS International Student
A doctoral student from Pakistan in the Department of Chemistry at ITS, Almas Zafar, chosen ITS as his academic home following a careful selection process to decide where to study. The strong and growing reputation of ITS in the fields of technology and research, the warm welcome from his prospective supervisor, and the support of the KNB 2025 scholarship were the key factors that influenced her decision.
Although adapting is not always easy, the inclusive campus environment at ITS, a year’s worth of language classes, and the warmth of the community have gradually made ITS her second home. “Choosing this university was one of the best decisions I have ever made,” she said.
From Campus to Global Market: Strategies of ITS Students in Building International Eco-Friendly Startup
Driven by a concern for the community’s needs, I Ketut Putu Evan Pritya Saguna founded PV-Cloost, an eco-friendly startup that offers an automated solar panel cleaning device known as the Clooster S. This innovation responds to the challenge of solar energy efficiency, with the tagline “Indonesia’s first solar panel cleaning service provider.”
The journey of PV-Cloost to the international stage was forged through competitions, starting with a Top 3 finish in the Energy Founder category at Pertamuda Seed & Scale with 35 million rupiah in funding, and continuing on to the ASEAN Sparks competition at the Southeast Asian level. For Evan, every achievement is just one small step toward a greater goal.
The Cross-Border Career Journeys of Two ITS Alumni
Two ITS alumni from different generations, Agus Priyo Santoso and Muhammad Ridha Tantowi, have proven that the academic foundation of Kampus Pahlawan enables its graduates to compete on a global level. Agus, a 1984 graduate of the Marine Engineering program, has advanced in his career to become Service Unit Managing Director at PT Grid Solutions Indonesia, a subsidiary of General Electric. Meanwhile, Owi, a 2014 Architecture graduate, received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship and is now working as a Graduate Fire Engineer at OFR Consultant, a world-leading fire safety consulting firm.
They both agree that their experience in student organizations and the culture at ITS have provided them with invaluable preparation for navigating the dynamics of an international career. Now, they are leveraging their international experience to give back to Indonesia, Agus through the company he founded, and Owi through fire safety education initiatives in his home country.
Global Achievements of ITS Research Teams through Sustainable Innovation
ITS keeps achieving international success through its student research teams. The Anargya team won the overall championship for two consecutive years at the Formula Bharat Pi-EV India. The Barunastra team brought home six world championship titles, including a victory at the 2025 International RoboBoat Competition in Florida, and the Ichiro team earned 16 awards at the 2025 FIRA RoboWorld Cup in South Korea.
Outside of competitions, Assoc. Prof. Sri Fatmawati, Ph.D., from the Department of Chemistry was listed in the Top 100 Asian Scientists of 2024 and received the Female Science Talents award from The Falling Walls Foundation in Germany. These achievements confirm that ITS’s innovations provide real solutions to global sustainability challenges.
ITS Aspirations for Greater Sustainable Impact in 2026
Entering 2026, ITS community members from various backgrounds are hoping to create a broader and more sustainable impact. Prof. Aulia Siti Aisjah hopes that future Patriot Expeditions will be carried out with more thorough preparation, Prof. Murni Rachmawati aspires to the formation of an integrated research ecosystem, while Dr. Arief Abdurrakhman aims to improve internal coordination as the key to propelling ITS into the ranks of the world’s top 300 universities.
A similar spirit flows from students and alumni, from a commitment to consistent small daily actions to cross-border dedication refocused on Indonesia’s progress. Together, they weave a single message into a single message, that ITS’s journey toward a more meaningful future belongs to every individual who is part of it.
We hope you enjoy the full feature in this magazine. Every story presented here is intended to inspire the entire ITS community, alumni, partners, and readers to continue moving forward together with ITS in creating a broader and more sustainable impact for our nation and the world. (HUMAS ITS)
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