Balikpapan, September 1, 2026 – Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK), through the Integrated Laboratory Academic Support Unit (UPA), held ITK Insight (Instrument, Skill, and Innovative Guidance for Higher Technology) 2026 at the Auditorium of Integrated Laboratory Building 1, ITK, on Tuesday (September 1). The event served as a platform for knowledge sharing while strengthening synergy among higher education institutions, government, and industry in utilizing laboratory technology to address research, testing, and industrial development needs.

The event was attended by participants from various sectors, including government institutions, companies, and the ITK academic community. The diverse participation highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in optimizing laboratory facilities and testing technologies to support industrial needs in East Kalimantan.

The event began with an opening and introductory session delivered by Event Chair Yudha Prasetyo, S.Pd.; Head of the Integrated Laboratory UPA, Happy Aprillia, S.ST., M.T., M.Eng., Ph.D.; and ITK Vice Rector for Planning, Finance, and General Affairs, Ir. Khakim Ghozali, M.MT.

In the introductory session, ITK’s Integrated Laboratory was presented as a strategic facility supporting education, research, testing, and professional services for various stakeholders. Officially inaugurated on April 7, 2021, the Integrated Laboratory comprises 47 laboratory rooms, supports practical sessions for 26 ITK study programs as well as external institutions, and provides testing, rental, and laboratory services. These facilities are supported by professional laboratory personnel who work collaboratively to provide strategic, collaborative, and integrity-driven laboratory services.

Material Characterization to Support Industrial Reliability

The first session featured Sutarsis, Ph.D., from the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology and Systems Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), who presented “Material Characterization and Surface Engineering to Support Industrial Reliability.”

The presentation highlighted the relationship between material processing, structure, and properties in determining component performance. It also introduced characterization methods such as SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, and UTM, which play important roles in material analysis, failure evaluation, and product development.

Participants showed strong enthusiasm during the question-and-answer session, raising various questions regarding the application of material characterization and analysis methods to address real-world industrial challenges.

From Industrial Problems to Laboratory Solutions

The next session was delivered by Ade Wahyu Yusariarta Putra Parmita, S.T., M.T., a lecturer in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at ITK and part of the Material Failure & Reliability Engineering (MFRE) ecosystem. His presentation, “From Industrial Problems to Laboratory Answers: The Capabilities of ITK’s Integrated Laboratory to Support East Kalimantan Industries,” emphasized that industries need more than testing results—they need engineering solutions to address their technical challenges.

ITK’s Integrated Laboratory supports these needs through various capabilities, including chemical and material identification, microstructural characterization, mechanical testing, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), failure analysis, and reverse engineering. These services are supported by methods and instruments such as OES, XRF, FTIR, XRD, SEM, tensile testing, hardness testing, and 3D scanning.

These capabilities have also been applied in various case studies, including bolt failure analysis, rubber-cutting blade material analysis, and pump material identification as a basis for welding considerations. In addition to laboratory-based testing, ITK also has portable OES and portable metallography capabilities to support on-site verification and industrial investigations.

The discussion session once again attracted strong participation, with industry representatives exploring the application of ITK’s Integrated Laboratory facilities and testing methods for operational needs, material verification, failure analysis, and technical decision-making.

Introducing Laboratory Technology Solutions from Industry Partners

The following session featured sponsor representatives Darman Sandakila from PT. SIDG and Mochammad Chaydar Bisri from PT. Soulab Teknindo Gemilang. Before delivering the main presentation, both speakers introduced their respective company profiles and the services they offer.

The session then focused on laboratory technology solutions for research, material characterization, and industrial analysis. Topics included sample preparation technology, particle size and structure characterization, surface area and pore analysis, as well as surface mechanical properties and tribology testing.

These solutions provided participants with insights into how laboratory technologies can enhance research quality and support material analysis needs in industry.

The session received a positive response, with an active question-and-answer discussion covering instrument applications, material characterization, and opportunities to utilize the technologies for research and industrial purposes.

Strengthening Government, Industry, and Academic Synergy

In addition to the presentation sessions, the ITK Insight 2026 series will continue with a facilities tour and partner showcase on the following day. The session will provide participants with an opportunity to explore ITK’s Integrated Laboratory facilities more closely, including its potential services and opportunities for future collaboration.

The participation of government representatives, industry players, and the ITK academic community served as an important element of the event. Beyond knowledge transfer, the gathering created opportunities to discuss testing requirements, research, technology development, and the utilization of laboratory facilities to address real-world industrial challenges.

Through ITK Insight 2026, ITK seeks to strengthen the role of its Integrated Laboratory not only as an educational and testing facility but also as an engineering partner that connects industrial challenges with laboratory-based data, analysis, and recommendations. This initiative aligns with the Integrated Laboratory’s role in supporting practical education, research, and testing services for industry and the wider community.

The first day concluded after all presentation and discussion sessions were completed. The participants’ enthusiasm throughout the event reflected the growing need for collaborative spaces connecting higher education, government, and industry.

Through this initiative, ITK hopes to establish stronger collaboration in utilizing the expertise and facilities of its Integrated Laboratory while encouraging research partnerships and technological solutions that can make a tangible contribution to industrial development in East Kalimantan.