Balikpapan - Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) has officially launched the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Biomedical Engineering in 2025 as a strategic initiative to strengthen the role of higher education in advancing national healthcare technology. This newly established program responds to the growing demand for innovative medical solutions, particularly in Central and Eastern Indonesia, where geographical challenges and limited access to healthcare services remain significant issues.

Carrying the tagline “EXCELLENT Biomedical Engineering”, the Biomedical Engineering program emphasizes high-quality education, interdisciplinary collaboration, integrated innovation systems, and medical research exploration. The program is designed to produce graduates who are not only academically competent, but also equipped with empathy, social awareness, and the ability to compete at both national and international levels.

The establishment of the Bachelor’s Program in Biomedical Engineering at ITK has been officially approved through the Decree of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia Number 1191/B/O/2025, granting permission to open the Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Program at Institut Teknologi Kalimantan. This legal foundation reinforces ITK’s commitment to delivering higher education that is relevant to future societal needs.

The vision of the Biomedical Engineering Program is to advance medical science and technology for remote and underserved regions, while strengthening the development of smart medicine and medical instruments oriented toward healthcare equity. This vision is aligned with the principles of sustainable development, particularly in supporting healthcare progress in Central and Eastern Indonesia.

One of the main distinguishing features of the program lies in its focus on appropriate medical technologies for remote areas and the integration of smart medical systems. Students are trained to design, develop, and implement healthcare technologies that are adaptable to real-world conditions, including the application of telemedicine and digital health systems.

Academically, the curriculum of the Biomedical Engineering Program at ITK is comprehensive and industry-oriented. Core courses include Biomechanics, Biomaterials, Anatomy and Physiology, Biomedical Signal Processing, Biomagnetics Engineering, Biomedical Instrumentation, Medical Sensing, Medical Imaging Technology, Non invasive Medical Devices, Assistive and Welfare Technology, Telemedicine, and Community Health Center Information Systems. This curriculum ensures that graduates possess strong technical competence alongside a deep understanding of societal healthcare needs.

The program is supported by a team of core faculty members with strong academic and research backgrounds. The lecturers are graduates of leading Indonesian universities such as Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), with expertise in biomechanics, robotics and control systems, biomedical signal processing, hearing aid technology, biomedical sensors and instrumentation, and computer vision. Several faculty members are also pursuing doctoral degrees, further strengthening the research-driven academic environment within the program.

Graduates of the Bachelor’s Program in Biomedical Engineering at ITK will earn the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) and have broad career prospects across various sectors. Potential career paths include Biomedical Engineer, Rehabilitation Engineer, Telemedicine Engineer, Health Data Analyst, and medical technology entrepreneur. Graduates are also well-positioned to work in the medical device industry, hospitals, health-technology startups, and government institutions related to healthcare and technology.

In its initial intake, the Biomedical Engineering Program at ITK offers a student quota of 40 students per year, with admission pathways consisting of 14 students through SNBP, 20 students through SNBT, and 6 students through the Independent Admission Scheme (SUMMIT).

With the launch of the Bachelor’s Program in Biomedical Engineering, ITK reaffirms its commitment to addressing future healthcare challenges through education, innovation, and technology. This program is not merely a new academic offering, but a strategic investment in the future of Indonesia’s healthcare system, integrating engineering excellence, innovation, and humanitarian values into a unified vision.