Balikpapan, June 12, 2025 — The Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) hosted a significant event on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Auditorium of Building A. The agenda included the Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a session for Monitoring and Discussion of the KIP-K Aspirasi Program. The event was attended by Dr. Ir. Hetifah Sjaifudian, M.P.P., who currently serves as the Chairperson of Commission X of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR-RI) for the 2024–2029 period.

Attending the event were leaders from several higher education institutions in Balikpapan, including:

• Balikpapan College of Economics (STIE Balikpapan)
• Madani College of Economics Balikpapan (STIE Madani Balikpapan)
• University of Balikpapan
• Mulia University of Balikpapan

Note: Politeknik Negeri Balikpapan was not present at the event.

In her remarks, Mrs. Hetifah emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to ensure the success of the KIP-K Aspirasi Program, which aims to provide access to higher education for underprivileged students. She expressed her appreciation for the commitment and contributions of the universities in East Kalimantan in implementing this initiative.

Following the speech, the event proceeded with the MoU signing by all attending university leaders, affirming their shared dedication to strengthening educational collaboration and supporting scholarship implementation.

The event continued with an open discussion session with Mrs. Hetifah, where participants shared their appreciation, feedback, and insights. The interactive dialogue highlighted the positive impacts of the KIP-K Aspirasi program and fostered further ideas for its development.

This gathering underscored the importance of synergy between the central government and higher education institutions in promoting educational equity and improving access for all Indonesian youth.