EduAsiaNews, Bandung— Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) has partnered with the Pemerintah Provinsi Maluku Utara to enhance the quality of regional human resources (HR) and maximize the potential of North Maluku’s younger generation. The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a cooperation agreement by ITB Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, and North Maluku Governor, Sherly Tjoanda, at the ITB Jakarta Campus on Wednesday (13/5/2026) during the ITB Women in STEAM event.
ITB Women in STEAM is a collaborative forum that brings together inspiring women from various sectors of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics to share perspectives, experiences, and strategic ideas in promoting impactful innovation and leadership. Through discussions involving female leaders, academics, researchers, and professional practitioners, the event serves as a platform to strengthen the role of women in driving transformation in education, technology, industry, public policy, and sustainable development.
In his remarks, Prof. Tata stated that the knowledge and technology developed at ITB must provide tangible benefits to society. The partnership with the North Maluku Provincial Government, he said, reflects ITB’s commitment to delivering knowledge that addresses regional development needs.
“Knowledge that does not reach society is incomplete knowledge. Today’s forum is a powerful reminder for us at ITB that the journey of knowledge does not end in laboratories or international journals, but in the real lives of the communities we serve,” he remarked.
Under the agreement, ITB will serve as a long-term strategic partner of the North Maluku Provincial Government in developing human resources through talent pipeline programs, applied research relevant to regional needs, and structured, measurable, and sustainable community service initiatives.
Meanwhile, Governor Sherly Tjoanda expressed hope that the collaboration with ITB would enable the people of North Maluku to occupy strategic positions in advancing their region. This aligns with the ongoing development of various industrial zones in the province.
“We have an obligation to provide employment opportunities for the people of North Maluku. There is significant demand for manpower and expertise in fields ranging from metallurgy to supply chain management, which are closely related to ITB’s areas of expertise,” she said.
She also expressed openness to broader collaboration with ITB alumni and students to help North Maluku achieve food self-sufficiency, spanning agriculture and marine sectors.
Through this collaboration, ITB continues to play an active role in delivering solutions for regional development, expanding the impact of higher education, strengthening human resource capacity, and fostering innovations that address the needs of Indonesian society.
ITB Women in STEAM
ITB Women in STEAM was organized by the Ikatan Alumni ITB, Salam Ganesha, and ITB. The event was officially opened by the ITB Rector, Agustin Peranginangin, and Vanny W. Katili. Several ITB leaders also attended the event.
The program featured two panel discussion sessions with prominent women leaders from diverse sectors.
The first session, titled “From Policy to Impact: Bridging Government, Academia, and Women Leaders,” explored the importance of connecting public policy, academia, and women’s leadership to generate meaningful impact. Speakers included Sherly Tjoanda; Yani Panigoro, Commissioner of PT Medco Energi and Chair of the ITB Board of Trustees (2020–2024); Prof. Dr. Dea Indriani Astuti, ITB Vice Rector for Resources; and Rosa Permata Sari from Pertamina, Chair of IAPMIGAS, and Secretary General of the Central Board of IA ITB. The session was moderated by Viviani Suhar.
The second session, “From Research to Real Impact,” highlighted how research, innovation, and leadership can contribute to society. The speakers included Prof. Dr. Apt. Heni Rachmawati from the ITB School of Pharmacy, who is listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists; Dr. Ir. Boediastoeti Ontowirjo from the Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN); and Aliya Rajasa Baskoro Yudhoyono. The session was moderated by Iga Andita Lestari from Salam Ganesha, Kadin Indonesia Institute, and University of California, Berkeley Research Fellow.
The event also included the signing of cooperation agreements among the ITB Alumni Association, ITB, the North Maluku Provincial Government, and the Adhikari Foundation. In addition, a separate cooperation agreement was signed between IA ITB and Korporasi ITB Kinarya.
Through ITB Women in STEAM, ITB, together with its alumni and strategic partners, aims to create more collaborative opportunities for women to contribute to research, innovation, leadership, and sustainable development. The event is expected to serve as a collective step toward strengthening an inclusive, impactful, and future-oriented STEAM ecosystem in Indonesia.
