President Jokowi Applauds ITB for Contribution to Country’s Science & Technology Development
President Jokowi delivers a virtual speech in the opening session of the 100th Anniversary of Engineering Higher Education Journey in Indonesia, Friday (3/7). (Photo by: BPMI)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has praised the contribution of graduates of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) for the country’s national development.
“I am pleased and proud to attend this virtual commemoration with the ITB extended family, the oldest engineering institute in Indonesia. Ir. Soekarno who gained knowledge and leadership, Ir. Djuanda Kartawidjaja who learned and developed nationalism for the country, Ir. B.J. Habibie, the father of Indonesian technology, who started his footsteps as a respected engineer in the world are among the graduates,” the President said during opening session of the 100th Anniversary of Engineering Higher Education Journey in Indonesia, Friday (3/7) hosted by the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB).
According to the President, what made ITB incredible is that aside from being a renowned engineering college, the institute also develops arts, humanities, and culture education.
A number of prominent figures such as Sjafei Sumardja who actively developed art education, legendary musician Sam Bimbo, I Nyoman Nuarta who produced extraordinary works of art, Iskandar Alisyahbana, former ITB Rector who is also the Father of Indonesia’s Satellite Communication System are some of ITB graduates.
“All of these shows ITB contribution to Indonesia’s history. The spirit of independence is echoed from this campus, the nation’s problems are resolved, and the nation’s progress is generated,” he added.
The President also pointed out that higher education plays a significant role amidst an increasingly competitive global competition and serves as a guide for major changes, innovation, and breakthroughs, and make the country respected in the world.
The Head of State also noted that Indonesia is currently facing major challenges, namely disruption and hyper-competition, as well as major changes have taken place in various fields accelerated by the Industrial Revolution 4.0.
Competition among countries is also increasingly fierce which demands speed, flexibility, and innovation, he added.
“To that end, Indonesia must be driven by a high fighting spirit, guided by noble morals, and a spirit of devotion to the nation and the state, and science and technology. Indonesia must not lose. The nation’s future generation is waiting for ITB contributions,” he said.
“We must show the world the achievements of our academics and researchers, science and technology resources and innovation of our nation’s works. We must prove ITB’s contribution to the welfare of the people and the progress of our beloved country Indonesia,” the President said. (BPMI/EN)
Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
