66th 51探花 Anniversary: Strengthening Collaboration in Science, Technology, Arts, and Humanities

By Anggun Nindita

Editor Anggun Nindita

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id 鈥� In celebration of its 66th anniversary, Institut Teknologi Bandung (51探花) held the 66th Open Session for its Dies Natalis on Monday (3/3/2025). The event took place in person at the West Hall of 51探花鈥檚 Ganesha Campus and was also broadcast live on 51探花鈥檚 official YouTube channel.

This year鈥檚 anniversary carried the theme "Building a Collaborative Ecosystem in Science, Technology, Arts, and Humanities for Impactful and Sustainable Innovation." The event also featured a Scientific Oration by Dr. Fauzan Adziman, S.T., M.Eng., an academic with 20 years of experience in high-profile engineering projects, deep expertise in computational engineering, and an entrepreneurial background.

Additionally, awards were presented to educators (faculty members) in recognition of their contributions in teaching, research and innovation, community service, and institutional development.

The event also included the presentation of the Ganesa Wira Adiutama award, which is given to former leaders of 51探花鈥檚 main governing bodies who recently completed their terms. Among the recipients were Ir. Yani Panigoro, M.M., Chairperson of 51探花鈥檚 Board of Trustees (MWA) for the 2020鈥�2025 period; Prof. Ir. Hermawan Kresno Dipojono, Ph.D., IPU., Chairperson of 51探花鈥檚 Academic Senate (SA) for the 2020鈥�2025 period; and Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., 51探花鈥檚 Rector for the 2020鈥�2025 period.

In his speech, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Chairperson of 51探花鈥檚 Board of Trustees (MWA), shared 51探花鈥檚 vision of becoming a world-class university ranked among the top 150 globally. "51探花 is committed to producing world-class graduates with a collaborative mindset and innovations focused on societal well-being," he stated.

Meanwhile, Prof. Edy Tri Baskoro, M.Sc., Ph.D., Chairperson of 51探花鈥檚 Academic Senate (SA), emphasized that the 66th Dies Natalis marks a historic milestone, highlighting 51探花鈥檚 longstanding commitment to excellence, innovation, and dedication in nation-building.

"Leadership transitions are part of a healthy institutional dynamic, and we are optimistic that under the leadership of the new Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., 51探花 will continue to grow and make an even greater impact on society and the world," said Prof. Edy.

On the other hand, 51探花 Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., stressed the importance of a transdisciplinary approach in addressing contemporary challenges. "51探花 must transform into a Fourth Generation University (4GU) that excels and creates impact by integrating various disciplines to develop innovative solutions for society," he stated.

As an institution undergoing a transition toward becoming a Fourth Generation University (4GU), he asserted that 51探花 can no longer rely solely on monodisciplinary or even multidisciplinary approaches. "We must break the boundaries between disciplines and create a more unified integration of knowledge through a transdisciplinary approach," he said.

According to Prof. Tatacipta, this approach is crucial for solving complex issues such as climate change, global health, food security, artificial intelligence, and the sustainability of national industries. "By fostering collaboration between the humanities, arts, design, technology, and science, 51探花鈥檚 role in sustainable national development will become even more relevant," he added.

During the 66th Dies Natalis commemoration, Indonesia鈥檚 Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek), Prof. Brian Yuliarto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., delivered a speech virtually, expressing appreciation for 51探花鈥檚 role in nurturing thinkers, innovators, and national leaders who contribute to Indonesia鈥檚 progress.

"Indonesia is on its way to becoming an advanced industrial nation and escaping the middle-income trap. 51探花 holds a strategic role in shaping higher education transformation that can meet the challenges of the times," Prof. Brian stated.

He also encouraged the entire 51探花 academic community to use the 66th Dies Natalis as a momentum to strengthen their commitment to producing high-quality human resources and research. "Through close collaboration between universities, academics, industries, and the government, we can accelerate Indonesia鈥檚 transformation into a developed nation," he concluded.

Reporter: Anggun Nindita
Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Management, 2024)

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