Balikpapan - Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) held its 20th Graduation Ceremony in 2026 solemnly and festively at the ITK Auditorium. This year’s ceremony was conducted in two sessions, the first in the morning and the second in the afternoon, with a total of 260 undergraduate graduates.

The ceremony was not only an academic milestone for the graduates but also featured strong Kalimantan cultural elements and heartfelt moments for graduates and their families.

The event began with an opening performance of Kalimantan folk songs accompanied by traditional Kalimantan musical instruments. The warm and proud atmosphere welcomed graduates, parents, and invited guests.

The procession continued with the entrance of the Academic Senate into the auditorium, marking the beginning of the open graduation session. The moment became even more meaningful with the screening of a short movie depicting students’ journey toward graduation, highlighting their struggles, campus life, and achievements throughout their studies at ITK.

The ITK Student Choir also enlivened the event by performing a medley of Indonesian traditional songs, creating a majestic atmosphere while strengthening the spirit of diversity. Traditional dance performances further enriched the cultural feel of this year’s graduation ceremony.

All attendees then sang the Indonesian national anthem, Indonesia Raya, and the ITK Hymn as a tribute to the nation and the alma mater.

On this occasion, ITK Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Erma Suryani, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., delivered the academic report. Based on the report, ITK graduated 260 undergraduate students.

The graduates consisted of:

•  Faculty of Science and Information Technology (FSTI): 90 graduates (35%) 
•  Faculty of Sustainable Development (FPB): 77 graduates (29%) 
•  Faculty of Industrial Technology and Engineering (FRTI): 93 graduates (36%) 

Based on graduation honors:

•  Cum Laude: 34 graduates (13%) 
•  Very Satisfactory: 200 graduates (77%) 
•  Satisfactory: 24 graduates (9%) 

In terms of gender composition, this year’s graduates consisted of 147 male graduates (57%) and 113 female graduates (43%).

In the first session, the graduate representative speech was delivered by Firda Nevira Putri, S.P.W.K., the university’s highest GPA achiever. In her remarks, she expressed gratitude to lecturers, parents, and the entire ITK academic community for being part of the students’ educational journey until graduation.

“Parents play the most important role. They always support us, both morally and in many other ways. I am truly grateful for everything they have given,” she said.

Firda also encouraged all graduates to continue embracing opportunities and experiences throughout their academic journey.

“Whenever there is an opportunity, such as exchange programs, internships, or other activities, do not hesitate to try. The key is to stay balanced and consistent,” she advised.

A touching moment took place after Firda delivered her speech, as she symbolically presented flowers to her parents as an expression of love, respect, and gratitude for their sacrifices.

Meanwhile, in the second session, the graduate representative speech was delivered by Hendri Baransano, a 2021 Civil Engineering student and recipient of the Affirmative Higher Education Scholarship Program (ADik). In his speech, Hendri shared his journey as a student from Eastern Indonesia who traveled far from home to pursue higher education.

“I came from a distant land, from islands that require crossing vast seas. I came with a simple dream: to study, to learn, and one day to return and bring change,” Hendri said.

He also shared that his university journey was not always easy, marked by homesickness and the challenges of living far from his hometown.

“There were nights when I felt alone, days when I almost gave up, and a longing for home that I could not simply return to. But at ITK, I learned about struggle, hope, and the meaning of enduring for the future,” he added.

Firda Nevira Putri was also recognized as the highest GPA achiever at the Faculty of Sustainable Development (FPB). Other highest GPA awards at the faculty level were given to:

•  Nurul Adinda Thalia Salsabila, S.Kom., from the Faculty of Science and Information Technology 
•  Farida Amanah, S.T., from the Faculty of Industrial Technology and Engineering 

Meanwhile, the youngest graduate title was awarded to Muhammad Fauzan Putra, S.P.W.K., at the age of 21 years and 21 days.

The graduation ceremony proceeded solemnly and emotionally, marking the emergence of a new generation of ITK graduates ready to contribute to society, the nation, and future development, particularly in supporting East Kalimantan and Indonesia’s new capital city, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN).

Through the spirit of ITK Berdampak, Institut Teknologi Kalimantan continues its commitment to producing excellent, adaptive, experienced graduates who can make meaningful contributions to national development.