ITS Rector Prof Ir Bambang Pramudjati ST MScEng PhD (right) and Czech Republic Ambassador to Indonesia Jaroslav Doleček (left) during a discussion in the ITS Rector’s office

ITS Campus, ITS News — Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) was honored to host the Czech-Indo Friendship Exhibition 2024 to strengthen the spirit of collaboration between the governments of the Republic of Indonesia and the Czech Republic. The event, attended by Czech Republic Ambassador to Indonesia Jaroslav Doleček, was held for two days starting Thursday (31/10) at Plaza Dr Angka, ITS Sukolilo, Surabaya.

ITS Rector, Prof Ir Bambang Pramudjati, ST MSc Eng PhD, expressed his pride in the opportunity given to ITS to host this activity. “This exhibition provides a valuable opportunity for both countries to enrich cultural understanding of each other and pave the way for closer cooperation,” he said in his opening remarks.

The event featured a photo exhibition showcasing various joint Indonesian and Czech activities over time. Bambang revealed that this exhibition’s primary mission is to introduce Czech culture and excellence to the broader community, especially the ITS academic community. This exhibition is expected to further introduce the Czech Republic and open up opportunities for educational collaboration in the future,” he added.

ITS Rector Prof Ir Bambang Pramudjati ST MScEng PhD while giving speech in the ITS Czech-Indo Friendship Exhibition 2024 Event

Fully supported by the East Java Provincial Government (Pemprov Jatim), this activity also opened discussions on opportunities for cooperation between the Czech Republic, Surabaya City Government, and ITS in developing the Kota Tua Surabaya area. This cooperation is expected to bring long-term benefits in preserving historic regions.

The opportunity utilizes the Czech Republic’s experience in maintaining and preserving old city areas such as Prague, which is known as one of the best and best preserved old cities in the world. “With this collaboration, ITS is expected to play a role as a strategic partner through the contribution of urban planning and technology experts,” added the ITS Mechanical Engineering Department Professor.

In response, Ambassador Jaroslav Doleček warmly welcomed the desire for cooperation. In his speech, he explained that cultural exchanges between the two countries are essential to establish closer cooperation. “As well as opening opportunities for ITS students to conduct student exchanges in the Land of a Thousand Castles,” he offered.

Awarding from Surabaya City Education Office Head Yusuf Masruh (two from left) to Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic Hermawan Kartajaya (blue suit) accompanied by Ambassador of the Czech Republic and ITS Rector

Meanwhile, Hermawan Kartajaya, Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic, explained that the bilateral relationship between the Czech Republic and Indonesia is based on the collaboration between Pentahelix. The concept of Pentahelix collaboration reflects the understanding that a successful partnership must involve all stakeholders. “By synergizing government, media, society, private sector, and universities, we can create an ecosystem that supports innovation and shared prosperity. This is a step towards a more sustainable and productive relationship between the Czech Republic and Indonesia,” said Hermawan.

In this series of Czech-Indonesia Friendship Exhibition 2024 events, there is also an exhibition that invites visitors to see and learn about the Czech Republic’s culture clearly. The exhibition brings information ranging from history and culture to the achievements and beauty of the Czech Republic.

Not only that, to support the expertise of the exhibition, there was also an event entitled Virtual Trip to Czech that hypnotized the audience with the beauty of the Czech city of Prague. In this activity, transportation became a topic of conversation that attracted students’ interest. The ease with which Czech citizens can access public transportation is one of the advantages that support the development of Czech tourism.

Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Indonesia Jaroslav Doleček (right) with ITS Rector Prof Ir Bambang Pramudjati ST MScEng PhD (red shirt) reviewing the photo exhibition at Plaza dr Angka ITS

In addition to the photo exhibition and talk show, the Czech-Indo Friendship Exhibition 2024, which lasted for two consecutive days, also presented various other interesting activities. These included a Czech culinary cooking class and a talk show on renewable energy and public transportation with ITS students in attendance.

In the end, Bambang expressed his hope that this activity could inspire the ITS academic community to deepen their knowledge of the technology applied in the Czech Republic. “This exhibition is also a reminder of the value of friendship established by the Czech Republic, Indonesia, and ITS,” he said. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Andra Eka Wijayanti
Translator: Lael Soebakir