The Rector of the Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK), Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Agus Rubiyanto, M.Eng.Sc., is participating in an Information Visit program in Germany from September 8–12, 2025. This program was initiated by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and includes an Indonesian delegation of leaders from public and private universities, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP).

The primary focus of the visit is to deepen insights into the German higher education and research systems, particularly in the fields of climate change, energy transformation, and food security, which are three global issues that are also of significant concern in Indonesia.

Series of Activities

The visit began in Bonn with a meeting at DAAD, where the delegation received a presentation on opportunities for scholarships, research funding, and various forms of university collaboration. The delegation also attended a presentation by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and then visited the University of Bonn, which showcased research on life ethics, sustainability, and international study programs.

The following day, the group traveled to Cologne to visit TH Köln. This university introduced its international master's programs and applied research in renewable energy. The delegation also visited the metabolon Institute, a research center that develops the concept of a sustainable circular economy through close collaboration between academia and industry.

In Heilbronn, the delegation was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Ruth Fleuchaus, Vice President of UAS Heilbronn, and participated in a matchmaking session with several other universities of applied sciences. Interestingly, the group was also invited to visit the Maker Space experimenta, a facility that allows students to create, test ideas, and launch start-ups with the support of modern technology.

The agenda continued at UAS RheinMain, where the delegation was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Eva Waller, President of UAS Rhein-Main in Wiesbaden. Here, the delegates directly observed hydrogen technology and aviation technology laboratories, as well as a student-built race car. A lively discussion also took place regarding opportunities for joint research in the fields of energy and food security.

The visit concluded at UAS Darmstadt, where the delegation observed leading research on energy transformation and climate change. This included the development of bio-PCM technology from waste and sustainability research in water resource management.

ITK's Role in the International Forum

Throughout the agenda, Prof. Agus Rubiyanto actively introduced ITK's profile and the university's leading research focuses, ranging from sustainable energy, food security, smart city development, to maritime science. This is in line with ITK's vision to be a university that contributes to national development through the unique potential of Kalimantan.

Prof. Agus also emphasized the importance of international collaboration in improving the quality of education and research in Indonesia. “Through this activity, ITK has the opportunity to build new networks with universities in Germany that are strong in applied research. We hope this collaboration can result in concrete programs, whether in the form of joint research, student and lecturer exchanges, or innovations that benefit the community,” he said.

The Indonesian Delegation

In addition to ITK, the event was also attended by leaders from well-known universities such as IPB University, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Bandung Institute of Technology, Syiah Kuala University, Universitas Brawijaya, as well as private universities like the Indonesian Islamic University, Petra Christian University, and Swiss German University. Representatives from the government, including BRIN, were also present.

Hopes for the Future

This visit is expected to strengthen relations between Indonesia and Germany, particularly in the fields of research and higher education. With ITK's participation in this international forum, the opportunities to strengthen research capacity, expand access to scholarships, and create tangible collaborations are wide open. 

For ITK itself, the Rector's participation in this program is a testament to the university's commitment to continue growing as an adaptive, innovative, and globally competitive institution.