“A high-quality education should be an area where universities excel. Education is a key gateway out of inequalities, especially multi-generational ones. In addition to improving quality of life, access to inclusive education can help equip locals with the tools required to develop innovative solutions to the world’s greatest problems.”
(THE Impact Rankings)
SDG 4: QUALITY EDUCATION
Lifelong Learning Measures
ITS’ Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Inclusive Education
ITS actively supports Quality Education by promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, including individuals beyond the university community. Through open access to digital platforms, library resources, and vocational training programs, ITS empowers people to enhance their knowledge, develop practical skills, and strengthen employability. These initiatives include free courses and certification programs delivered through myITS Learning and Tekno Sains Academy, as well as short-term training opportunities that foster inclusive education and community capacity building.
The myITS Learning platform offers hundreds of free online courses and certifications across diverse categories, including Design & Arts, Data Science & Analytics, Electronics & Information, Management & Development, Maritime & Shipping, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Civil & Earth Sciences, Languages, and Pedagogy. Since 2020, more than 300 learning videos have been developed and are continuously managed on learning.its.ac.id.
Public Access to ITS Library Resources
The openness of literacy also plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge development. The ITS Library provides membership not only for ITS students, lecturers, and staff but also for the general public. In addition, it offers both offline and online registration options, ensuring broader access to knowledge resources and encouraging the spirit of continuous learning among communities.
Vocational Training for the Community
Complementing these digital resources, ITS also organizes hands-on training programs, such as the two-day Welding Workshop held at the Manufacturing Process Laboratory of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in August 2024. This program welcomed vocational high school students (SMK) and members of the public, particularly individuals affected by layoffs. Participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, producing functional items such as shoe racks that could be marketed to support household income.
ITS Provides Free Courses and Webinars through ITS Tekno Sains Academy
ITS established the Tekno Sains Academy in 2019, a platform that provides free learning resources, short courses, and webinars across various disciplines. Free courses and webinars empower individuals to explore diverse fields, enhance professional competencies, and pursue personal growth, fostering a culture of continuous learning. These programs also help bridge educational gaps by enabling people to upskill, reskill, and adapt to the evolving demands of the workforce. By offering open access to quality educational content, they promote inclusivity and lifelong learning for all. In 2024, the academy offered free courses such as Power BI for Beginners and ISO 26000: Social Responsibility Implementation, attracting participants from academic, professional, and public sectors.
Fun Bahasa Indonesia and Cultural Course Course
Launched in 2020, the Fun Bahasa Indonesia and Cultural Course (FBICC) is one of ITS Global Engagement’s flagship programs, introducing Indonesian language and culture to the international community. The program offers free online courses that combine basic language learning with cultural exploration, including sessions on Indonesian history, traditional activities, a virtual Surabaya city tour, and an ITS campus tour.
Since its inception, FBICC has attracted over 4,000 participants from more than 100 countries, fostering cross-cultural understanding and global networks. Participants gain not only knowledge and cultural experience but also a certificate of participation, strengthening ITS’ role in promoting Indonesian culture worldwide.
Expanding Lifelong Learning through Public Educational Events
ITS actively advanced its role as a lifelong learning hub by hosting a series of educational events open to the general public. These programs provided opportunities for diverse communities to engage with knowledge, culture, and innovation within the university environment, reflecting ITS’ commitment to inclusive and continuous learning.
Free Python Programming Workshop
In May 2024, ITS hosted a free Python programming workshop, introducing participants from various professional and educational backgrounds to the fundamentals of programming. Guided by ITS lecturers, the session aimed to improve digital literacy and empower attendees with practical computational skills relevant to the demands of Industry 4.0. The workshop exemplified ITS’ commitment to providing inclusive access to digital education and supporting the community’s readiness for technological transformation.
Czech–Indonesia Friendship Exhibition
In October 2024, ITS demonstrated its dedication to cross-cultural learning and international collaboration through the Czech–Indonesia Friendship Exhibition. The event was open to the public and featured artistic and scientific showcases, guest lectures on transportation and environmental issues, and an exhibition on study opportunities in the Czech Republic. The program also fostered youth involvement in sustainability, with junior high school students presenting energy-saving projects as part of the exhibition. This initiative not only strengthened cultural diplomacy but also promoted global-minded education.
In November 2024, ITS celebrated its innovation and community connection through the ITS Expo 2024, one of the university’s largest public events. Combining academic exhibitions, cultural performances, and technology showcases, the expo highlighted ITS’ achievements in education, research, and innovation. It provided a meaningful space for the public to interact directly with ITS’ students and researchers, enhancing awareness of the university’s contribution to national and global development.
Expanding Vocational Training and Lifelong Learning Opportunities
ITS strengthened its role as a lifelong learning hub by opening a variety of vocational training programs accessible not only to its students but also to the wider community. These initiatives were delivered through both structured courses and ad-hoc training events, ensuring that ITS’ expertise could be shared inclusively with diverse groups of learners.
Fun Bahasa Indonesia for Cultural Course (FBICC)
Among its recurring initiatives, ITS continued the Fun Bahasa Indonesia for Cultural Course (FBICC) program, which has been running since 2020. The program offers free Indonesian language courses for international participants, combining classroom-based learning with rich cultural experiences. Participants not only develop basic communication skills in Bahasa Indonesia but also gain a deeper intercultural understanding, supporting stronger global engagement between ITS and the international community.
Professional Capacity Building through Tekno Sains Academy
ITS also strengthened professional and industry-oriented learning through the Tekno Sains Academy (TSA), a training business unit under PT ITS Tekno Sains. In 2024, TSA delivered both free and paid training programs covering a wide range of practical topics, including digital marketing, occupational health and safety (OHS) certification, and applied science workshops. These programs were designed to help participants upskill and reskill, equipping them with competencies relevant to the evolving job market while reinforcing ITS’ broader mission to promote lifelong and inclusive learning.
Ad-hoc Vocational and Technology Training Events
In addition to its regular programs, ITS organized ad-hoc vocational training events that responded to emerging technologies and industrial needs. A notable highlight was the 7th DTIS Webinar Series, held in December 2024, which introduced participants to advanced industrial tools such as the NavVis VLX2 Mobile Scanner. The session provided valuable insights into digital mapping and industrial innovation, offering the public early exposure to cutting-edge technological solutions and bridging the gap between academic research and industry application.
Through this combination of recurring programs and responsive training initiatives, ITS continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to lifelong learning and vocational education. By providing accessible learning opportunities for the wider public, ITS empowers individuals with new skills, supports professional development, and contributes meaningfully to the achievement of Quality Education.
Education Outreach Activities Beyond Campus
ITS actively extended its educational mission beyond campus through a wide range of programmed and ad-hoc outreach initiatives, engaging schools, teachers, children, and international students. These activities promoted inclusive and cross-cultural learning, reflecting ITS’ strong commitment to Quality Education and community-based education.
Programmed Outreach Activities
Educational outreach at ITS is systematically integrated into its academic and international programs. Through the Mata Kuliah KKN Tematik (Thematic Community Service Course), ITS students and lecturers designed and implemented structured capacity-building projects for local communities.
Teacher Training Workshops introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Through its Community Service and Thematic Real-Work Lecture (KKN Abmas) program, ITS organized an AI training for teachers to strengthen digital literacy in education. Led by Eka Iskandar from the Department of Electrical Engineering, the three-week program combined online and offline sessions, introducing participants to AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gamma AI for developing interactive teaching modules and presentations.
An offline session at SMA At Tibyan, Pandaan on 28 September 2024 provided hands-on practice, supported by access to premium AI accounts for exploration. The program concluded with assignments where participants created AI-assisted learning materials, ensuring practical outcomes.
ITS also continued to advance international and cultural outreach through the Joint Cultural Camp, an annual collaborative initiative organized by ITS Global Engagement in partnership with Indonesian universities. The program brought together international and local students for hands-on cultural workshops, language exchange sessions, and team-building activities. Participants explored traditional Indonesian arts, crafts, culinary practices, and historical landmarks, promoting cross-cultural understanding and unity. The Spring 2024 edition successfully welcomed students from various countries, while preparations for the Spring and Fall 2025 editions began in late 2024, expanding participation to additional host universities across Indonesia.
Another flagship community-driven initiative was BIMITS Mengajar 2024, a social education program organized by Bidikmisi ITS (BIMITS), the scholarship student community of ITS. The program reflects the students’ role as guardians of value, committed to empowering underprivileged children through accessible education. Held over three consecutive weeks every Saturday and Sunday, the 2024 program focused on self-development and public speaking for children in the communities surrounding ITS. Through creative teaching methods, participants were encouraged to assess their strengths and express themselves through storytelling and performances. In addition to self-development, the program also integrated religious learning through regular mengaji sessions at local learning centers such as TPQ Al Hikmah, ensuring a holistic approach that nurtures both academic and moral growth.
Ad-hoc Outreach Activities
ITS also conducted responsive, short-term outreach activities that addressed emerging educational needs. One notable example was the Disaster Preparedness Education Program organized by the Department of Visual Communication Design (DKV) at SMP Negeri 1 Sedati, led by Dr. Rahmatsyam Lakoro. The event combined visual demonstrations, interactive lectures, and evacuation simulations, teaching students to identify disaster signs and respond effectively. Data from this activity contributed to ongoing research on developing localized disaster education media.
Lifelong Learning Policy at ITS
Regulation of the Academic Senate No. 6 on Policy Direction of ITS Students Development (2017)
ITS promotes inclusive and equitable lifelong learning opportunities, as stated in the Regulation of the Academic Senate No. 6 on Policy Direction of ITS Students Development. Enacted in 2017, this policy remains a core foundation for good governance and inclusive education at ITS today. This regulation continues to guide the university’s approach to fostering equitable access to learning and personal development opportunities.
Specifically, Section 5.9 “Field of Lifelong Learning Development” on page 8 states:
“ITS provides a lifelong learning system to all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, immigration status or gender through public lectures, community service trainings, and scholarship offers.”
This policy underscores ITS’ enduring commitment to inclusive and lifelong learning for all. It ensures that education and capacity-building programs extend beyond the university community, integrating fairness, accessibility, and social responsibility into ITS’ academic and administrative practices. Serving as a living document, this regulation continues to shape ITS’ initiatives and institutional culture, reinforcing the university’s dedication to inclusivity and continuous learning.
Rector Circular Letter on ITS’ Commitment as a Green and Sustainable Campus (2024)
The Rector Circular Letter affirms ITS’ institutional commitment to becoming a green and sustainable campus, integrating environmental responsibility with inclusivity and social welfare. The policy emphasizes that sustainability at ITS must reflect not only ecological awareness but also social justice and accessibility for all members of the university community.
In its section on Welfare and Social Life, the Circular Letter explicitly states:
“No member of the academic community shall be discriminated against or subjected to acts of violence based on religion, ethnicity, race, gender, or disability. ITS upholds the values of equality, humanity, and justice in all aspects of campus life, including education and human resource management.”
This principle is reinforced through the provision of scholarship and subsidy programs to support students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and through the development of disability-friendly facilities that ensure equal participation in academic and lifelong learning activities.
By embedding inclusivity and accessibility into its sustainability framework, ITS positions sustainability as a holistic commitment encompassing both environmental and social dimensions. The Circular Letter thus serves as a governance instrument that ensures lifelong learning access without discrimination, directly advancing Quality Education and Reduced Inequalities through sustainable and inclusive educational practices.
