ITS Chancellor Prof Dr Ir Mochamad Ashari MEng (second from left) accompanied by the Chairman of the ITS Academic Senate Prof Dr Syafsir Akhlus MSc (left) when receiving the Extraordinary Service Award from the Minister of Social Affairs Republic of Indonesia Dr (HC) Ir Tri Rismaharini MT

ITS Campus, ITS News – Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) received the Extraordinary Service Award from the Ministry of Social Affairs Republic of Indonesia (Kemensos) for its numerous significant contributions to the Indonesian nation. The award was delivered directly by the Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos) Dr (HC) Ir Tri Rismaharini MT at the ITS Research Center Building on Wednesday (8/3).

In particular, ITS is the first tertiary institution to receive this Outstanding Service Award from the Ministry of Social Affairs. In addition to awards for institutions, the former Mayor of Surabaya also gave an award to several ITS academics who have shown dedication to Indonesia through various technological touches.

The Extraordinary Service Award was given to 56 ITS academics consisting of lecturers, staff, students, and graduates. The minister, who is usually called Risma, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the support given by ITS. “There are lots of technological innovations from ITS which hopefully can continue to be useful for the next generation,” she said proudly.

Minister of Social Affairs Republic of Indonesia Dr (HC) Ir Tri Rismaharini MT (second from right) received the Nitisastro Award from ITS for his extraordinary contribution to the Indonesian nation and also ITS

There were five categories for the awards. It includes awards for various ITS contributions in development in frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped (3T) regions. The first category is the development of ships for the transportation of goods, people, and fishing in Bali. The second category is the BangkITS Cendrawasih e-Trail Motorcycle category in Papua.

The following category includes the development of earthquake-resistant houses and simple houses throughout the archipelago. In addition, the fourth category, namely the development of braille printing machines at the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs. As well as the use of alternative energy in Papua and Kalimantan is also given. The Ministry of Social Affairs Republic of Indonesia appreciates the category of system development and information technology.

ITS Chancellor Prof Dr Ir Mochamad Ashari MEng (three from left) accompanied the Minister of Social Affairs Republic of Indonesia Dr (HC) Ir Tri Rismaharini MT giving awards to ITS academics

ITS Chancellor, Prof Dr Ir Mochamad Ashari MEng IPU AEng, also expressed his gratitude for the momentum of this award. He said the various innovations that ITS made for the nation could not be separated from the Ministry of Social’s trust in involving ITS in its various programs. “So that ITS can be more empathetic and directly involved in many social problems in remote communities,” explained the chancellor who familiarly called Ashari.

In this event which lasted for about three hours, ITS also gave an award in the form of the Nitisastro Figure Award to Risma. This award which is part of the momentum of ITS 62nd Anniversary is given for its extraordinary contribution to ITS and the Indonesian nation.

Minister of Social Affairs Republic of Indonesia Dr (HC) Ir Tri Rismaharini MT (right) giving a public lecture moderated by ITS Secretary Dr Umi Laili Yuhana SKom MSc in the ITS Research Center Building

Before the award ceremony, Risma also gave a public lecture to ITS students entitled Application of Technology for a Better Life of the Indonesian People. He said that each of the innovations he initiated started with a sensitivity to social issues in the surrounding environment. “Through technology, we can make the lives of many people easier and make our nation more advanced,” this ITS alumnus reminded us.

(from right) Minister of Social Affairs Republic of Indonesia Dr (HC) Ir Tri Rismaharini MT with ITS Chancellor Prof Dr Ir Mochamad Ashari MEng while reviewing several technological innovations works from ITS academics

The award winner for one of the Best Mayors in the World also advised all ITS students to continue to explore sensitivity to the problems around them and do something to help solve them. “Don’t be easily satisfied. Never give up giving benefits until we can’t do anything anymore,” she concluded encouragingly. (ITS Public Relations)

Photo with the Minister of Social Affairs Republic of Indonesia Dr (HC) Ir Tri Rismaharini MT with students and ITS leadership after the studium generale activity at the ITS Research Center Building

Reporter: Fathia Rahmanisa