BALIKPAPAN – Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) once again brought together academics, researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders through The 6th Borneo International Conference (BICAME 2026), held on September 16–17, 2026, at the Grand Jatra Hotel Balikpapan.

Carrying the theme “Impactful Innovation: Smart Technologies for Environmental and Economic Resilience,” the international conference served as a platform for exchanging ideas on technological innovations addressing environmental, energy, climate change, and urban development challenges.

BICAME 2026 was attended by participants from various universities across East Kalimantan, representatives of several Regional Government Agencies (OPDs), academics, researchers, students, and other stakeholders. Their diverse institutional backgrounds reinforced the conference’s role as a platform for cross-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration.

The event began with participant registration, an opening ceremony, a traditional dance performance, and a report from the Chair of BICAME 2026, Riki Herliansyah, S.Si., M.Stats., Ph.D. It continued with remarks from the Head of ITK’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Dr. Eng. Yunita Triana, M.Si., followed by an address and the official opening by the Rector of ITK, Prof. Dr. Agus Rubiyanto, M.Eng.Sc.

Following the opening session and group photo, the conference continued with presentations by three keynote speakers, offering perspectives on hydrogen technology, climate resilience, and digitalization for resilient urban development.

Hydrogen as a Future Energy Alternative

The first keynote was delivered by Prof. Kazuhiro Nogita, Director of the Nihon Superior Centre for the Manufacture of Electronic Materials, School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering, The University of Queensland, Australia. The session was moderated by Andi Idhil Ismail, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of ITK’s Faculty of Industrial Technology and Engineering (FRTI).

Through his presentation, “Development of Large-Scale Hydrogen Storage and Delivery Solutions,” Prof. Nogita discussed solid-state hydrogen storage technology using metal hydrides. Magnesium-based alloy materials are considered promising for developing safer, more economical, and efficient hydrogen storage systems on an industrial scale. This innovation is an important step toward expanding the future use of hydrogen as a clean energy source.

Connecting Policy, Research, and Climate Innovation

The second keynote was delivered by Dr. Syeed SaifulAzry Osman Al-Edrus, Director of the Institute of Ecosystem Science Borneo, Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak. The session was moderated by Happy Aprillia, S.ST., M.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., Head of ITK’s Integrated Laboratory Unit.

In his presentation, “Engineering Climate Resilience: Bridging Policy, Research and Innovation,” Dr. Syeed shared the experiences of Malaysia and Sarawak in integrating policy, research, investment, and innovation to strengthen climate resilience. He emphasized that the transition toward low-carbon development requires the involvement of governments, universities, industries, and communities. Universities play an important role in producing research and technologies in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, ecosystem services, waste management, and community-based adaptation.

Digitalization for Building Resilient Cities

The third keynote was delivered by Mizan Bustanul Fuady Bisri, Ph.D., Senior Researcher at the Asian Disaster Reduction Center and Senior Lecturer at Kobe University, Japan. The session was moderated by Ariyaningsih, S.T., M.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer in ITK’s Urban and Regional Planning Study Program.

Through his presentation, “Digitalization for City Resilience Building: Japanese Cities and Relevance for Indonesia,” Mizan discussed the use of early warning systems, urban data, digital dashboards, and digital twin technology to support decision-making and the development of resilient cities. Drawing on Kobe’s experience, he emphasized that digitalization must remain inclusive, accessible, and capable of strengthening community preparedness. This approach is highly relevant to Indonesia, particularly Kalimantan, amid the development of Nusantara Capital City, which requires the integration of climate, health, economic, disaster, and spatial planning data.

From a Scientific Forum to Meaningful Collaboration

Following the keynote sessions, BICAME 2026 continued with parallel presentation sessions. Participants presented their research and innovations through two main symposium groups: the Symposium on Applied Mathematics and Engineering Technology (SAMET) and the Symposium on Digital Innovation, Sustainable Design, and Planning (DSP).

The parallel sessions covered renewable energy, energy storage, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, food and agricultural technology, marine technology, environmental sustainability, resource management, sustainable design, the digital economy, and urban and rural development. Awards for the best presenters and best papers were also presented at the conclusion of the first day.

On the second day, participants were scheduled to visit the Core Government Area of Nusantara Capital City. The agenda included an introduction to Nusantara by the Nusantara Capital Authority, a tour of the development area, and exploration and documentation activities at the Ceremonial Plaza and Taman Kusuma Bangsa.

The visit provided participants with an opportunity to observe the development of Indonesia’s future capital firsthand while connecting the conference discussions with real-world applications of sustainable planning, technology, and urban resilience.

Through BICAME 2026, ITK reaffirmed its role as a hub for scientific exchange and international collaboration in Kalimantan. The meeting of universities, local governments, researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders is expected to generate collaborations and innovations that deliver tangible benefits to the environment, economy, and society.

SPECTA! For the Creator and the Land of Etam!