ITSB Accelerates Transformation into Research University to Boost Competitiveness

Competition among higher education institutions in Indonesia increasingly demands innovation, academic quality, and the ability to produce research that impacts industry and society. Responding to this challenge, the Institut Teknologi Sains Bandung (ITSB), located in the Deltamas area of Bekasi Regency, is accelerating its transformation into a research university and increasing its student capacity to 2,500 by the end of 2026. The transformation is not only focused on improving the quality of learning but also on strengthening the research culture, opening postgraduate programmes, and enhancing accreditation as part of a strategy to build competitiveness at the national level. Backed by synergy between academia and industry through the collaboration of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and Sinar Mas, ITSB is now solidifying its steps to become a leading higher education institution based on research, capable of producing graduates that meet the needs of the workforce and contribute to the advancement of science. ITSB Rector Carmadi Machbub stated that the reputation of the two major institutions behind the campus’s establishment is an important asset, but not enough to make ITSB the public’s primary choice. According to him, the improvement of academic quality must be demonstrated through measurable achievements, one of which is accreditation status. ‘What the public sees is certainly an important factor in building optimism. But that is not enough because society also wants to see the quality of learning offered, one of which is through accreditation status. Although it is not the only benchmark, accreditation is a reference that the public understands best. Therefore, we continue to pursue accreditation improvement,’ said Carmadi on Friday. As part of the transformation, ITSB is adjusting its statutes to broaden its development focus. Previously oriented towards science and technology, the campus now carries a vision to become a leading higher education institution in science, technology, and business. He explained that this long-term vision will be realised in stages over a period of 15 to 20 years through the opening of master’s and doctoral programmes, while strengthening an integrated research ecosystem with industry needs. In addition to strengthening academic quality, ITSB is also developing a more adaptive promotional strategy in line with digital developments. One approach involves engaging students as campus ambassadors through social media to introduce academic life to prospective students from various regions. He explained that this approach has proven effective in reaching prospective students outside Bekasi Regency. Several students admitted they became familiar with the campus through digital content created by other students, while others were attracted by the career development opportunities supported by the campus’s proximity to industry. Another advantage offered is a variety of scholarship programmes that help students access higher education at a more affordable cost. However, these scholarships are accompanied by academic requirements to encourage students to maintain their performance throughout their studies. He added that the relatively ideal number of students creates a conducive learning atmosphere. Interaction between students and lecturers becomes more intensive, opening opportunities for academic and research collaboration from an early stage. According to Carmadi, strengthening the academic atmosphere is one of the main keys to realising the transformation into a research university. Therefore, the campus continues to improve organisational governance, enhance the quality of human resources, and strengthen the implementation of the three pillars of higher education. ‘We must run faster and build a formidable team. We are formulating a new organisation and governance, as well as fostering a conducive academic atmosphere so that educational, research, and community service activities run well and with quality,’ he said. He stressed that the strength of a higher education institution is ultimately determined not only by the reputation of its supporting institutions but also by its ability to produce competent graduates who can meet the needs of industry. ‘Therefore, we continue to strengthen the collaboration between education, research, and industry so that our graduates have relevant competencies, are professional, and can meet the standards required by the ever-evolving world of work,’ he concluded.