Balikpapan, 3 August 2026 – Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) has once again welcomed new students through the 2026 Higher Education Affirmation Scholarship (ADik), a government-funded program designed to expand access to higher education for students from Papua, Indonesia's frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged (3T) regions, as well as the children of Indonesian Migrant Workers. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a living allowance throughout the recipients' academic journey.

In 2026, six students from Papua Province officially joined the ITK community. Coming from different regencies, they share a common aspiration: to pursue higher education and return home equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the development of their regions.

The 2026 ADik Scholarship recipients at ITK are:

• Cindy Mendy Wieng Kumbubui – Urban and Regional Planning (Jayapura Regency) 
• Yan Frans Kafiar – Urban and Regional Planning (Supiori Regency) 
• Salomo You – Urban and Regional Planning (Paniai Regency) 
• Delila Yohana Enjhuella Dusay – Ocean Engineering (Jayapura Regency) 
• Oroni Nahabial – Logistics Engineering (Yalimo Regency) 
• Meylani Mariana Lovely Sadot – Information Systems (Jayapura Regency) 

Among the six recipients, three students chose the Urban and Regional Planning (URP) program. During an interview with the ITK Public Relations Office, they explained that their decision was driven by a strong desire to return to Papua and contribute to regional development through sustainable urban and regional planning.

They hope to apply the knowledge gained at ITK to help create well-planned communities, improve infrastructure, and support sustainable development in their respective hometowns.

"We hope to return to Papua after graduation and apply what we have learned at ITK to help develop our regions and improve the quality of life in our communities," one of the scholarship recipients shared.

Meanwhile, the other three students selected equally strategic fields of study. Through Ocean Engineering, Logistics Engineering, and Information Systems, they aspire to contribute solutions to various regional challenges, ranging from marine resource management and logistics systems to digital transformation and information technology services.

Beyond their academic aspirations, the students also expressed their admiration after visiting the ITK campus for the first time. Before arriving in Balikpapan, many of them had imagined ITK as a relatively small institution. However, their expectations changed completely upon seeing the campus firsthand.

They were impressed by the university's spacious campus, modern academic buildings, and lush green environment, which they believe provides an ideal atmosphere for learning.

"At first, we thought ITK was a small campus. But after arriving here, we were amazed by how large it is. The buildings are impressive, and the campus is beautiful, green, and very comfortable for studying," said one of the students.

As they begin their academic journey at ITK, they also hope to grow not only academically but personally. They aspire to become active, honest, and impactful students who will make meaningful contributions both during their time at the university and after returning to their hometowns.

They intend to take advantage of every opportunity at ITK by expanding their knowledge, participating in student organizations, developing leadership skills, and building strong character as preparation for serving their communities in the future.

The presence of these six ADik Scholarship recipients reflects Institut Teknologi Kalimantan's commitment to promoting equitable access to higher education across Indonesia while nurturing talented young leaders from diverse regions. Through the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained at ITK, they are expected to become future changemakers who contribute to the sustainable development of their home regions.