Balikpapan - The Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK) commenced the year 2026 through the Rector’s Annual Opening Report, carrying the theme “ITK Delivering Real Impact for Advanced and Leading Education.” This event served as a strategic forum to convey institutional policy directions, key achievements, and ITK’s commitment to transforming higher education to remain relevant to future challenges and societal needs.

In his annual address, ITK Rector Prof. Dr. Agus Rubiyanto, M.Eng.Sc., emphasized that universities of the future will no longer function solely as centers of teaching, but as drivers of innovation and providers of real-world solutions. “The integration of the physical, digital, and biological domains is the foundation for ethical and sustainable innovation,” the Rector stated. According to him, future graduates must be prepared not only to be job-ready, but also to engage in lifelong learning, collaborate across disciplines, understand the social consequences of technology, and uphold strong ethical and human values.

As part of this transformation, ITK has implemented the 4I+E strategic framework, which encompasses Internal Enhancement, Innovation Action, International Collaboration, Ibadah (Spiritual Culture), and Environmental Insight. This framework strengthens ITK’s position as an Entrepreneurial University that excels academically while being grounded in spiritual values, environmental awareness, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship.

Throughout 2025, ITK recorded numerous achievements and strategic milestones reflecting a significant improvement in institutional performance. In the fields of research and community engagement, ITK advanced to the “Utama” (Excellent) Cluster for the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) in both 2025 and 2026. This achievement marks the strengthening of ITK’s research ecosystem, which has become increasingly productive, collaborative, and impactful for society.

At the national level, ITK received several prestigious awards, including the Dikti IKU Award as Second Best Performer in Key Performance Indicators (IKU) among PTN Satker institutions in 2024 (Silver Winner), as well as recognition for achieving Top 10% IKU performance nationwide. ITK also earned multiple awards in state financial management, such as the Treasury Awards 2024, recognition for digital payment implementation, and appreciation for excellence in the use of the Cash Management System (CMS).

In the area of governance and public information transparency, ITK has demonstrated consistent improvement. Since 2019, ITK has continuously transformed its governance practices, culminating in the achievement of “Informative” status in the Public Information Transparency Assessment in both 2024 and 2025. Additionally, ITK garnered numerous national awards in public relations, cooperation, and protocol through the Diktisaintek Awards.

Academic excellence and human resource development were also highlighted. By 2025, ITK had eight internationally accredited study programs, dozens of programs accredited as Very Good and Good, and achieved 100 percent competency certification for laboratory personnel. ITK also expanded its international partnerships with universities in India, China, and Europe, and secured prestigious research funding, including the Merian Fund 2025–2029 from the Netherlands.

ITK’s commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in its active participation in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, achieving 144th place nationally in 2025. The university continues to promote nature-based solutions and environmentally friendly technologies, leading its academic community to win national-level innovation competitions.

Through the Rector’s Annual Opening Report 2026, ITK reaffirmed its position as a global innovation hub and a driver of social and economic transformation, particularly in East Kalimantan. With a strong foundation of achievements, a clear strategic direction, and a spirit of cross-sector collaboration, ITK remains optimistic in advancing higher education that is progressive, leading, and delivers tangible impact for Indonesia.