Balikpapan – The Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK), a public university (PTN) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, continues to strengthen its role in national development by officially opening the Bachelor’s Degree Program (S-1) in Marine Transportation Engineering starting in the 2026 academic year. This program is the first of its kind in Kalimantan, responding to Indonesia’s strategic need for sustainable maritime development.

The establishment of the Marine Transportation Engineering program aligns with the government’s vision of reinforcing Indonesia as a global maritime axis, especially with the development of the New Capital City (Ibu Kota Nusantara/IKN) in East Kalimantan, which requires efficient, modern, and sustainable sea, river, and logistics transportation systems.

A Strategic Public University Supporting IKN

Located in Balikpapan, ITK holds a strategic position as a key supporting university for IKN. Through the Marine Transportation Engineering program, ITK aims to produce highly competent maritime transportation engineers who are not only academically excellent but also ready to contribute directly to national-scale projects, particularly in shipping, port development, and maritime logistics.

Focus on Shipping, Ports, and Maritime Logistics

Unlike Naval Architecture programs that focus primarily on ship design, Marine Transportation Engineering at ITK emphasizes the planning and management of water transportation systems, covering:

• Shipping operations and management,
• Port planning and port operations management,
• Maritime logistics and integrated supply chain management,
• Investment feasibility, financing, and marine insurance.

The curriculum is designed to be integrated, applied, and industry-oriented, adapting to the rapid development of maritime transportation technology, including digitalization and automation.

East Kalimantan as a Living Laboratory

East Kalimantan is widely recognized as a major hub for sea and river transportation supporting strategic commodities such as coal, palm oil, and oil and gas. This unique regional context positions the area surrounding ITK as a living laboratory, allowing students to gain hands-on learning experiences directly from real industrial practices and large-scale maritime infrastructure.

Broad Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of the Bachelor’s Program in Marine Transportation Engineering earn the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) and have extensive career prospects in various sectors, including:

• Shipping and logistics industries,
• Port authorities and port operators,
• Shipyards (operational and production management),
• Energy and commodity transportation sectors,
• Government institutions and state-owned enterprises such as the Ministry of Transportation, IKN Authority, Pelindo, ASDP, and Pelni.

Potential career paths include Marine Transport Planner, Port Operations Specialist, Marine Logistics Analyst, Shipping Superintendent, and Maritime Consultant.

ITK’s Commitment to Developing Future Maritime Professionals

Supported by faculty members with strong academic and professional backgrounds in marine transportation, naval architecture, and transportation engineering from leading universities, ITK reaffirms its commitment as a technology-driven public university that is adaptive, contextual, and future-oriented.

Through the opening of the Bachelor’s Program in Marine Transportation Engineering, ITK invites Indonesia’s young generation to take part in shaping the nation’s maritime future and contribute to the realization of Indonesia Emas 2045.

ITK – A Technology University Supporting IKN, Building the Future of Indonesia’s Maritime Sector.