Mayor of Bandung Calls ITB a Strategic Partner of the City Government
By Bashravie Thamrin - Mahasiswa Manajemen, 2024
Editor Anggun Nindita
ITB Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., poses with the Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, during the 66th ITB Anniversary Open Session on Monday (March 3, 2025). (Photo: Public Relations of the Bandung City Government).
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – The Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, stated that the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) is a key partner of the Bandung City Government in regional development. He conveyed this during the ITB’s 66th Anniversary Open Session held at Aula Barat, ITB Ganesha Campus, on Monday (March 3, 2025).
He emphasized that ITB has consistently played a role in providing input to the government through the pentahelix approach, which involves academics, government, the business sector, the community, and the media. He also referred to ITB as the primary consultation hub for the City Government, particularly in the development of innovations across various fields.
“Innovation can continue to be developed, not only in the fields of technology, digital, and engineering, but also in economics,” he stated.
In addition, he highlighted how ITB's presence enhances Bandung City's competitiveness and establishes it as a hub for research and innovation for students and researchers, which can generate a positive impact on society.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the role of the School of Business and Management ITB (SBM ITB) is equally important in producing entrepreneurs who contribute to economic growth, both in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector and in startups. “This can serve as an economic leverage through entrepreneurship, whether on the small scale of MSMEs or through the growth of startups,” said the Mayor of Bandung.
He also expressed hope that ITB, as an educational institution rich in innovation and research, will continue to strengthen its role in supporting sustainable development in Bandung.
Meanwhile, ITB Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., emphasized the importance of a transdisciplinary approach in addressing contemporary challenges. “ITB must transform into a Fourth Generation University (4GU) that is excellent and impactful by integrating various disciplines to generate innovative solutions for society,” he stated.
As an institution currently transforming into a Fourth Generation University (4GU), he emphasized that ITB can no longer rely solely on monodisciplinary or even multidisciplinary approaches. “We must break through the boundaries of academic disciplines and create a more unified integration of knowledge through a transdisciplinary approach,” he said.
According to Prof. Tatacipta, this approach is crucial for addressing complex issues such as climate change, global health, food security, artificial intelligence, and the sustainability of national industries. “By fostering collaboration among the humanities, arts, design, technology, and science, ITB’s role in sustainable national development will become increasingly relevant,” he added.
Reporter: Bashravie Thamrin (Manajemen, 2024)
Translator: Indira Akmalia Hendri
