ITB vows to stay neutral

ITB vows to stay neutral

BANDUNG: The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) marked its
40th anniversary celebration on Tuesday with a pledge to maintain
its autonomy and independence in the wake of political changes.

Rector Lilik Hendrajaya emphasized the state-run institute
would not rely overly on government funding, but would improve
its business relationship with the wider community.

"The manner in which we seek alternative financial sources
will bring us closer to the people."

The institute was inaugurated by founding president Sukarno in
1959. Sukarno was a graduate of the institute which was then run
by the Dutch government. Many of Indonesia's top officials were
trained at the institute.

Lilik said the institute is developing a center for website
services called AI3 (Asian Internet Interconnection Initiatives)
in cooperation with JC-SAT satellite operator.

The institute will also revive its radio station B-EH ITB. The
station last went to air 20 years ago, following a military
action to quell an antigovernment rally on the campus in 1978.
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