Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of the New Campus of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University (Untirta) Sindangsari, Thursday, 4 March 2021 in Serang, Banten Province

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

 Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Good afternoon,

May peace be upon us all.

Distinguished Minister of Education and Culture;

Distinguished Minister of Public Works and Public Housing;

Distinguished Presidential Chief of Staff;

Distinguished Governor and Deputy Governor attending this event;

Distinguished Rector, Deputy Rector, Deans, Board of Trustees, Members of Board of Trustees;

Distinguished Pious Scholars and Prominent Figures;

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Guests, and Students,

On this afternoon, I am delighted to inaugurate the new campus of Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University. The new campus is more than new buildings. Indeed, I have witnessed the grand design of Untirta University when I entering the gate, yet it also reflects new spirit in improving higher education in Banten Province, that will be a drive for us to equip and create valuable human resources to win the fierce global competition.

Untirta preserves the noble value of two national heroes from Banten, namely Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa and Syekh Nawawi Al-Bantani. The two respected figures are symbols of collaboration between ulema (Islamic scholar) and umara (leader) who reflected intellectualism and leadership. They are reflected in this University.

The values are necessary to be developed in a university as the center for knowledge and regeneration of national leaders. The noble values must be implemented in Tri Dharma (three pillars) of higher education so that the Untirta can realize its vision to become a world-class university, to become the pride of Banten and Indonesia as an integrated smart and green university.

Distinguished Guests,

Allow me to give my appreciation to Untirta for its consistency in adopting the smart and green university concept in the campus. I saw open green space earlier. The Rector has told me that the green area covers 30 percent of the campus area. While telling me about this story, the Rector asked me; “Sir, please build retention basin (here),” I answered with a yes. Then, I ordered Minister of Public Works and Public Housing to build it in this year, or next year at the latest. The University also use eco-friendly technology namely their in-house water recycle technology. This is what we need, innovations. They also use natural lighting. There are no private vehicle in the campus area; they use shuttle bus for mobility within the campus. These are the vision of an integrated smart and green university

Untirta must utilize its potentials to become an engine that drives the development in Banten Province, to set a model for leaps of progress, to further develop innovations and creativities, to be open-minded to learn new things, to be moderate in respecting diversity, pluralism, and to preserve local value and culture, as mentioned earlier by the Rector.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

A University must not serve as an “ivory tower” but as a “water tower” instead, that distributes results of university’s research and innovation to the communities. It is really important given many people around us still live in poverty. It is a challenge for us to contribute in addressing our common issue.

I call on Untirta to play part in the joint efforts by enhancing collaboration with various sides, expanding network and cooperation, particularly with the industry, and carrying out researches and innovations to improve quality of life of the people, particularly those living in Banten Province.

And that concludes my statement.

By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I declare the new campus of Untirta, Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University, in Sindangsari, Serang Regency, Banten Province, officially inaugurated.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (RAS/LW)