Balikpapan, 7 November 2026 – Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) strengthened their partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during OCTAGRAM 2026 on Saturday (7 November) at the ITK Integrated Laboratory Auditorium. The event also marked a visit to ITK by BRIN Head Prof. Dr. Arif Satria, S.P., M.Si.

OCTAGRAM is an annual event organised by the Digital Business Study Programme, Faculty of Science and Information Technology (FSTI), ITK. This year’s programme began with laboratory tours and an exhibition, followed by remarks from the ITK Rector, the MoU signing, and a public lecture by the BRIN Head titled “Empowering Regional Economies through Digital Business, Financial Innovation, and Applied Research.”

The MoU was signed by ITK Rector Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Agus Rubiyanto, M.Eng.Sc., and BRIN Deputy for Human Resources in Science and Technology, Edy Giri Rachman Putra. Representatives from East Kalimantan’s Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA), regional development planning and research agencies, an expert adviser to the Mayor of Balikpapan, partner companies, and schools also attended.

In his remarks, the ITK Rector reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to becoming a centre for technological development and nurturing outstanding talent in Kalimantan.

“Research findings must be put into practice and address the challenges communities face. This makes the involvement of BRIN and our strategic partners particularly important for ITK,” he said.

He emphasised that the MoU should lead to tangible action. “Every partnership must be followed up with concrete programmes,” he added, thanking Prof. Arif for taking the time to visit ITK.

As an initial step, ITK has prepared three partnership priorities with BRIN: developing research talent through internships, final-year project supervision, and mentoring for lecturers; conducting joint applied research in energy, food, digital technology, and regional development; and establishing the Kalimantan Living Lab as a space for testing technologies in real-world settings.

Prof. Arif opened his lecture with a personal story.

“Today, I have finally fulfilled my promise. I promised the ITK Rector that I would visit this campus long before I became Head of BRIN. I am delighted to be here at last,” he said.

He described ITK’s position as a young institution as an advantage.

“ITK is not burdened by the past. It can start moving forward now to shape its future,” he said. He encouraged ITK to look beyond becoming the best university in East Kalimantan and aspire to become the best in Indonesia.

“Words can inspire, but achievements speak louder,” he added.

The BRIN Head also welcomed ITK’s academic community to make use of BRIN’s research facilities, including a genomics laboratory he described as the most advanced in Southeast Asia and BRIN’s leading high-performance computing facility. These resources can support scientific advances to address challenges involving food, energy, water, and the environment.

He also highlighted opportunities for increased funding. If more ITK lecturers secure funding through the Research and Innovation for an Advanced Indonesia (RIIM) programme, BRIN would be prepared to increase its budget allocation for ITK the following year, provided that ITK establishes a flagship research programme.

Prof. Arif encouraged ITK to define its institutional direction: whether to develop as a teaching university, become a research university, or take a further step towards becoming an innovation university. He identified a science and technology park as one of the requirements for this ambition, aligning with ITK’s plans to develop the ITK Science Techno Park.

“Think about the impact ITK can make on East Kalimantan. Once communities and the government feel the benefits of ITK’s presence, I believe its impact can extend to the world,” he concluded.

Through this partnership, ITK and BRIN are committed to advancing applied research that delivers tangible benefits for development in East Kalimantan and across Indonesia.