Balikpapan - Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK), through the Master of Technology Management (MMT) Study Program under the Faculty of Science and Information Technology (FSTI), held an Academic Orientation for New Students and the Inauguration of the Executive Classroom for the Master of Technology Management Program on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at The Meridian Ballroom, Astara Hotel, Balikpapan Superblock.

The event marked part of the welcoming program for new MMT students in the 2026/2027 Academic Year, while also serving as a momentum to strengthen ITK’s postgraduate education. Through this activity, students were introduced to the academic system, curriculum, learning services, campus facilities, and digital platforms that will support their studies.

The program began with participant registration at 3:30 p.m. WITA, followed by the opening session and the singing of the Indonesian national anthem. ITK Rector Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Agus Rubiyanto, M.Eng.Sc. then delivered remarks and welcomed the new students. In his speech, the Rector expressed his hope that the MMT Study Program would continue to grow by expanding networks and collaboration with various external partners.

He emphasized that the development of postgraduate education should remain aligned with industry needs and technological advancements. External collaboration is expected to broaden opportunities for learning, research, and student competency development, while also strengthening ITK’s contribution to regional development.

A similar message was conveyed by Dean of FSTI ITK Adi Mahmud Jaya Marindra, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D. He emphasized that MMT is part of ITK’s academic development that needs to be continuously strengthened, particularly through broader partnerships. Collaboration with industry, professionals, government institutions, and other strategic partners is expected to support the growth of MMT as a postgraduate program that remains relevant to future demands.

The momentum for collaboration was also supported by the Director of Balikpapan Superblock (BSB). In his remarks, he stated that the partnership with ITK marked an important milestone for BSB in establishing collaboration with a higher education institution. The partnership also represents an effort to encourage professionals and executives within BSB to pursue further education after nearly two decades of the company’s development.

BSB also expressed its willingness to provide access to its facilities to support ITK’s academic activities. This support is expected to strengthen the implementation of the existing Memorandum of Understanding and foster greater synergy between higher education and industry in developing human resources.

During the academic session, MMT Study Program Coordinator Bima Prihasto, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. introduced the Master of Technology Management Study Program and its academic services. Students received an overview of the learning structure, academic environment, and competency development they will undertake throughout their studies.

The orientation continued with introductions to various supporting units and facilities at ITK. Ike Wayan Norma Yunita, S.Pd. provided information related to academic services, while the Learning Management System (LMS) was introduced as one of the main digital platforms supporting student learning activities.

Students were also introduced to ITK Library services, presented by Winarti, S.Si., M.Si., as well as campus facilities and infrastructure presented by Ayu Lia Pratama, S.Si. These sessions provided students with a comprehensive understanding of the academic services and facilities available throughout their studies.

The event also involved university leaders, study program administrators, lecturers, and supporting units within ITK, including FSTI leadership, the Department of Electrical Engineering, Informatics and Business, the Academic Working Team, the Digital Learning Center, ITK Library, facilities and infrastructure management, MMT homebase lecturers, and lecturers teaching in the executive class.

The establishment of the MMT Executive Classroom is part of ITK’s efforts to improve the quality of postgraduate learning facilities and student comfort. The facility is expected to support a more professional and flexible learning environment, particularly for students from professional and industry backgrounds.

The Master of Technology Management Study Program is designed to integrate perspectives on management, technology, and industry needs, enabling students not only to strengthen their academic capabilities but also to develop the ability to respond to technological change and make strategic decisions within organizations.

Through stronger facilities, academic services, digital transformation, and partnerships with external stakeholders, ITK continues to position MMT as a relevant, adaptive, and impactful postgraduate program that contributes to human resource development in Kalimantan.

Synergy between higher education and industry is an important step toward delivering postgraduate education that is not only academically excellent, but also responsive to professional needs and future technological transformation.