Prof I Nyoman Sutantra, while moderating the first session of the discussion on the Role of Higher Education in the Development of National Culture at ITS

ITS Campus, ITS News – To formulate ideas and reposition strategies for higher education in strengthening the spirit of Indonesian unity, the Council of Professors of the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) held a national workshop entitled The Role of Higher Education in the Development of National Culture. The event at the Auditorium of the ITS Research Center Building, which also commemorated the Birth of Pancasila on June 1, presented the former Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia, General TNI (Purn) Dr (HC) Agum Gumelar, Wednesday (6/6).

The consideration, guided by Prof I Nyoman Sutantra and Prof Budisantoso Wirjodirdjo, was also attended by scholars with strategic insight and competence in national issues. Among them is the Head of the Ideology Division of the BIN Strategic Analysis Council (2016-2021), Major General TNI (Purn) Dr I Putu Sastra Wingarta SIP MSc, Deputy Governor of the National Defense Institute of the Republic of Indonesia Lieutenant General TNI Mohamad Sabrar Fadhilah, and Chair of the ITS Professors Council who are also the organizers of this activity Prof Dr Ir Imam Robandi ST MT.

Agum Gumelar, who currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees (MWA) of the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, started the discussion by expressing his dismay about the condition of the Indonesian state. He revealed that the long and struggle-filled journey for the Indonesian state in gaining independence will always be followed by a governmental transition shrouded in various challenges and uncertainties.

ITS Chancellor Prof Mochamad Ashari (three from the right) when handing over souvenirs to General TNI (Purn) Dr (HC) Agum Gumelar as one of the resource persons

“The spirit of unity and oneness must still be the foundation so that Indonesia’s struggle continues well,” he warned.

In building a solid foundation, the Presidential Advisory Council (Watimpres) member for the 2018-2019 period continued, Higher Education has a vital role. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate ideas and reposition strategies for higher education so that they remain relevant and able to face changing times.

“One of the things that must be emphasized is the role of the younger generation in developing, mastering, and applying technology that is beneficial for equitable prosperity for the entire nation,” he said.

Along with this, he continued, forming the character of students who are Pancasila is essential in developing a young generation with character so that quality human resources can be created and able to contribute to the nation’s progress.

(from the front left) Chair of ITS MWA Prof Mohammad Nuh, Deputy Governor of Lemhannas RI Lt Gen Mohamad Sabar Fadhilah, Chair of MWA UPI General TNI (Purn) Dr (HC) Agum Gumelar

“It did not go unnoticed, as a great nation, all elements of society need to play a role in the journey of Indonesia’s struggle,” concluded the former Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security (Menko Polhukam) during the time of President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur).

Meanwhile, Lt Gen Mohamad Sabrar Fadhilah added in the second session that supporting universities in carrying out their duties and critical roles in developing national culture is crucial. A suitable investment in infrastructure, human resources, and research will strengthen the role of higher education institutions in developing our culture.

“I am very proud of ITS as an institution that is literate about various cultural issues and keeps moving with the development of technology,” he said.

As an event for the development of national culture, Prof Dr Ir Imam Robandi ST MT also presented performances from various types of Indonesian culture. The Welcome Dance opened the event, and the reception by Among Tamu opened the event. During the discussion session, several guests sang several songs, one of which was Prof Imam Robandi or who is usually called Iro himself.

Drawing a common thread from the discussion session at the event, establishing cooperation between universities, the government, and the community can optimize the role of universities in creating an academic environment that supports and enriches national culture. It is hoped that in the future, there will be created human beings who are virtuous and highly competitive. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Lathifah Sahda