ITS and Alumni Cooperation Enhance WCU’s Reputation Through Research Commercialization

Dr. Machsus ST MT when explaining the importance of financial sustainability and collaboration with ITS alumni to support ITS’s vision as a world-class university (WCU)

Balikpapan, ITS News – Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has taken a strategic step towards achieving Top 300 World Class University (WCU) status by strengthening its alumni network and expanding industry partnerships. This effort was realized in the Alumni and Industry Meeting held on Saturday (4/10) in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.

In his speech, ITS Rector Prof. Dr. (HC) Ir. Bambang Pramujati, ST, MScEng, PhD, emphasized the crucial role of alumni in enhancing the global academic reputation of ITS. He noted that the achievements of alumni in their professional careers and research efforts directly contribute to strengthening the indicators of alumni reputation, which supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 related to Quality Education. “Alumni represent ITS beyond the campus, helping to expand access to learning from practitioners and improving graduate readiness,” he stated.

Bambang further explained that the relationship between alumni, the campus, and industry acts as a bridge for global collaboration in research and technological development. This collaborative ecosystem encourages innovation and the commercialization of solutions that meet current demands. “From research projects to the integration of technology in classrooms and laboratories, all of these efforts enhance ITS’s capacity for international networking,” he added.

Dr. Machsus ST MT (second from left), Dr. Darmaji SSi MT (far left), and several attendees of the Alumni & Industrial Gathering event

Industry involvement is fundamental to ITS’s transformation into a world-class university. A lecturer from the ITS Department of Mechanical Engineering asserted that strong employer reputation and superior learning experience indicators can only be achieved through intensive collaboration with the professional world. “Industry is not merely an external partner; it is integral to the educational process that equips students to compete on a global stage,” he declared.

Dr. Machsus ST MT, Vice Rector for Planning, Finance, and Infrastructure at ITS, emphasized the necessity of establishing a robust financial foundation to support ITS’s ambitious vision. He identified endowment funds as a crucial instrument for ensuring the continuity of educational programs, research, and community service. With strong backing from alumni and industry partners, these endowment funds will significantly enhance the university’s financial stability.

Machsus underscored that alumni contributions go beyond monetary support; they encompass valuable networks, collaboration opportunities, and mentorship for students. He is confident that ITS’s financial sustainability will become even more formidable when both alumni and industry stakeholders embrace a sense of ownership and commitment to their alma mater. “This collaboration cultivates long-term responsibility, ensuring that ITS remains at the forefront in addressing global challenges,” he asserted.

Group photo with ITS leaders and the Balikpapan Regional Representative of the ITS Alumni Association (IKA) during the Alumni & Industrial Gathering in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.

In a powerful welcome to ITS’s initiatives in Balikpapan, Adhy Prasetya ST, representing the Balikpapan Alumni Association (IKA ITS), highlighted the influential role of alumni in the energy, construction, and technology sectors. He outlined the pressing challenges facing world-class universities, including the necessity for transformative leadership, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and accelerated internationalization. The critical importance of digital transformation and the swift adoption of artificial intelligence was emphasized to ensure that graduates remain relevant in the evolving job market. “This agenda underscores the imperative of collaboration between the campus and alumni for lasting impact,” Adhy declared.

Alumni from the East Kalimantan region are stepping up as a vital force behind ITS, determined to enhance the university’s reputation by showcasing alumni achievements and activities. All members of IKA ITS Balikpapan are fully committed to collaborating and serving as respondents for the QS World University Rankings (WUR), fundamentally strengthening the university’s reputation indicators. This initiative is set to significantly boost human resource competitiveness and elevate ITS’s contributions to East Kalimantan, the Capital City of Nusantara (IKN), and Indonesia.

Assistant Manager of Pertamina EP Region 3 Zone 9 Adhy Prasetya ST said that all members of IKA ITS Balikpapan are ready to become collaborators and respondents for QS WUR ITS to strengthen reputation indicators.

The forum facilitated dynamic interactions between alumni and industry partners, resulting in strategic recommendations that include robust structured internship programs, accelerated applied research aligned with industry demands, and the development of new competencies in the energy, digitalization, and maritime sectors. The strong focus on energy transition and clean technology will be driven through dedicated renewable energy research and partnerships with industrial laboratories, directly supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: Clean and Affordable Energy.

With the synergy of the campus, alumni, and industry partners, ITS is poised to confidently pursue its ambition of becoming a world-class university. Our efforts extend well beyond merely improving global rankings; we are committed to making substantial contributions to society through education, research, and community service. This proactive approach reaffirms ITS’s unwavering commitment to create a wide-reaching impact, strengthen the innovation ecosystem, and enhance the competitiveness of our graduates. (HUMAS ITS)

Reporter: Fauzan Fakhrizal Azmi