JAKARTA – Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) continues to expand its role in regional development through strategic partnerships. On October 23, 2026, ITK Rector Prof. Dr. Agus Rubiyanto, M.Eng.Sc., met with Indonesia’s Minister of Transmigration, Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, at the Ministry of Transmigration office in Jakarta to propose a collaboration through the ITK Transmigration Innovation Lab.

The meeting was initiated by ITK’s Digital Business Study Program. The Rector was accompanied by the Vice Rector, deans, heads of administrative bureaus, and the Coordinator of the Digital Business Study Program. The Minister attended alongside the Secretary-General, Director-Generals, and other ministry officials.

During the meeting, Prof. Agus highlighted ITK’s strategic position in supporting transmigration-based regional development. Located in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, ITK is situated near Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara (IKN), and serves as a potential link connecting IKN, the Maloy Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Sulawesi, and transmigration areas. This geographical advantage provides opportunities to accelerate economic development and strengthen connectivity across the region.

ITK currently has approximately 7,000 students across three faculties: the Faculty of Science and Information Technology, the Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Technology, and the Faculty of Sustainable Development. Of its 27 study programs, eight have achieved international accreditation, reflecting the university’s commitment to academic quality and global standards.

Beyond its national partnerships, ITK actively engages in international collaboration. The university is part of the ITX consortium alongside Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), and Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA). The consortium focuses on coastal technology, digital fisheries, and maritime energy. ITK’s research priorities also include energy, agriculture and food systems, smart cities, and maritime development.

ITK has already contributed to transmigration-related initiatives. In 2025, the university participated in the Ekspedisi Patriot support team through a partnership with ITB. In addition, ITK lecturers have conducted research on pineapple processing in the Samboja transmigration area, demonstrating the potential for research and innovation to support local commodity development.

Through the proposed ITK Transmigration Innovation Lab, the university offers four priority programs: thematic community service programs (KKN Tematik) and Ekspedisi Patriot; support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the digital economy; mapping the economic potential of transmigration areas; and developing digital dashboards to support area management and decision-making.

The proposed initiative will be implemented in four stages: mapping local potential, assisting MSMEs, introducing digital solutions, and evaluating outcomes for potential replication in other transmigration areas. This approach is designed to connect academic research with practical solutions that can strengthen local businesses, improve economic productivity, and support sustainable regional development.

Prof. Agus reaffirmed ITK’s readiness to become a strategic partner of the Ministry of Transmigration. As follow-up actions, ITK proposed three steps: a ministerial visit to the university accompanied by a public lecture, the preparation of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), and the implementation of a pilot program in a selected transmigration area.

Minister Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara welcomed ITK’s initiative and expressed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate. He also conveyed plans to visit ITK. According to the Minister, transmigration is now being positioned as a bridge between higher education institutions and the business sector in transmigration areas.

Through its Transmigration Transformation agenda, the Ministry aims to develop sustainable economic zones through commodity-based industrialization. The approach seeks to strengthen local economic potential by connecting research, industrial development, and investment opportunities.

The Minister emphasized that the success of these initiatives should be measured by tangible products and solutions capable of attracting investors, rather than research outputs alone. Students are expected not only to develop strong theoretical knowledge but also to deliver practical contributions that benefit local communities. He expressed his willingness to support initiatives that can serve as catalysts for regional development and create meaningful benefits for the public.

The meeting marks an initial step toward closer collaboration between ITK and the Ministry of Transmigration. Through the proposed ITK Transmigration Innovation Lab, ITK aims to translate academic knowledge and technological innovation into practical outcomes, from strengthening local MSMEs and developing regional commodities to creating new investment opportunities across transmigration areas in East Kalimantan.