“Over 10% of the world’s population live in extreme poverty, unable to fulfill the most basic needs such as food, health, education, access to clean water and sanitation. Universities need to be able to demonstrate how they are helping to address this problem through their work.”
(THE Impact Rankings)
SDG 1: NO POVERTY
University anti-poverty programmes
ITS Strengthens Educational Access Through Extensive Scholarship Programs
ITS has demonstrated remarkable progress in expanding educational access through its comprehensive scholarship programs, particularly focusing on students from lower-income households. The institute’s commitment to inclusive education is evident through its significant increase in scholarship funding and beneficiaries over recent years.
In a notable achievement, ITS has provided scholarships to 6,361 students across two semesters, with a total funding of Rp 83.68 billion. This substantial support is made possible through partnerships with 53 scholarship donor institutions, reflecting the institute’s strong network of educational support. The impact of these initiatives is particularly significant for students from the bottom 20% of household income groups, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder talented students from pursuing higher education.
ITS' scholarship recipients and financial aid beneficiaries in 2023.
ITS’ dedication to expanding educational access is demonstrated by the remarkable 300% increase in scholarship disbursement between 2020 and 2023. Starting from Rp 33.3 billion in 2020, the scholarship funding has consistently grown, reaching Rp 90.37 billion by 2023. This significant expansion has enabled ITS to support 22% of its total student population through various scholarship programs by 2023, marking a substantial improvement in educational accessibility. A key component of ITS’ inclusive education strategy is the KIP-K program, which specifically targets students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The program has shown significant growth, with the number of recipients increasing from 2,849 to 3,689 students in 2023, demonstrating ITS’ expanding support for lower-income students.
The ITS Endowment Fund Management Institution (LPDA-ITS) has further strengthened this commitment through three distinct scholarship categories. These include the Institutional Development Contribution Free Endowment Scholarship, which supported 46 students with Rp 1.58 billion, the Single Tuition Fee Assistance Endowment Scholarship benefiting 126 students with Rp 435 million, and the Living Cost Endowment Scholarship providing Rp 1.88 billion to 313 KIP-K scheme 2 students. By 2023, LPDA-ITS had disbursed a total of Rp 3.895 billion in scholarships. Moving forward, ITS aims to provide scholarships to at least 30 percent of its students by 2024.
The scholarship support system at ITS is comprehensive, covering various aspects of student needs including full tuition coverage, partial tuition assistance, living expenses, research costs, and personal development support. One of those is ITS’ tuition fee reduction program (UKT/SPP) specifically targeting vocational and applied undergraduate students entering at least their second semester which circulated through the official letter number 7244/IT2.II.1/B/TU.00.02/2023. Through these initiatives, ITS has successfully created more inclusive educational opportunities, particularly for students from lower-income households. The consistent growth in scholarship funding and the increasing number of beneficiaries demonstrate ITS’ ongoing commitment to breaking down financial barriers in higher education, ensuring that talented students from all economic backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations.
ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING UKT/SPP (TUITION FEE) RELIEF APPLICATION FOR 2023/2024 SEMESTER
ITS’ Directorate of Planning and Development gave notice to ITS Undergraduate and Applied Undergraduate Students. For ITS students who plan to apply for UKT/SPP (tuition fee) relief, need to pay attention on criteria and technical matters written below:
- Applications for UKT/SPP Relief can be submitted through sipmaba.its.ac.id, which is only permitted for undergraduate and vocational/applied undergraduate students (excluding IUP and Joint Degree students). During the application period, eligible students must be at least entering their 2nd (second) semester and must not be current scholarship recipients, including Bidik Misi/KIP-K scholarships or any other scholarships, and must not have previously received a UKT reduction from previous UKT appeal processes.
- Applications for UKT Relief are processed through myITS Portal or portal.its.ac.id using the SIPMABA service application. This is done by updating the UKT verification data that was previously filled out by students when they were prospective new students.
Breaking Financial Barriers: ITS’ Wide-Ranging Support for Lower-Income Students
ITS has established a robust support system aimed at ensuring academic success for students from the bottom financial quintile, demonstrating its commitment to educational equity. This commitment was powerfully reflected in 2023’s impressive numbers, with 6,361 students receiving scholarships and total disbursements reaching Rp 83.68 billion.
At the heart of ITS’s financial support system is the KIP-Kuliah (Indonesian Smart Card for Higher Education) program, which operates through two distinct schemes:
- Scheme 1, students receive comprehensive coverage for both tuition fees and living expenses from the government
- Scheme 2, provides tuition fee coverage
ITS has strategically allowing students to seek additional support for living expenses through complementary programs. Some of the scholarships are, but not limited to:
- ID Camp Indosat – offering online coding scholarships
- Medcom.id Scholarship – providing living cost assistance
- Cendekia BAZNAS Scholarship – covering semester tuition fees and personal development
Through the Directorate of Student Affairs, enrolled students can continuously apply for additional scholarship opportunities, ensuring sustained support throughout their academic journey. This systematic support structure reflects ITS’s dedication to achieving its target of supporting students from the bottom 20% of household income groups, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder talented students from accessing quality higher education and completing their studies successfully. Meanwhile, students who haven’t received any scholarships and haven’t previously benefited from tuition reductions still have the opportunity to get assisted through tuition fee reduction program (UKT/SPP) specifically targeting vocational and applied undergraduate students entering at least their second semester, which circulated through official letter number 7244/IT2.II.1/B/TU.00.02/2023.
ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING UKT/SPP (TUITION FEE) RELIEF APPLICATION FOR 2023/2024 SEMESTER
ITS’ Directorate of Planning and Development gave notice to ITS Undergraduate and Applied Undergraduate Students. For ITS students who plan to apply for UKT/SPP (tuition fee) relief, need to pay attention on criteria and technical matters written below:
- Applications for UKT/SPP Relief can be submitted through sipmaba.its.ac.id, which is only permitted for undergraduate and vocational/applied undergraduate students (excluding IUP and Joint Degree students). During the application period, eligible students must be at least entering their 2nd (second) semester and must not be current scholarship recipients, including Bidik Misi/KIP-K scholarships or any other scholarships, and must not have previously received a UKT reduction from previous UKT appeal processes.
- Applications for UKT Relief are processed through myITS Portal or portal.its.ac.id using the SIPMABA service application. This is done by updating the UKT verification data that was previously filled out by students when they were prospective new students.
ITS Strengthens Comprehensive Support System for Low-Income Students
ITS has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting low-income students through a multi-faceted approach that addresses various aspects of student needs, from housing to education costs and skill development. At the forefront of this initiative is the inaugurated Rusunawa student dormitory complex, which addressing housing accessibility for economically disadvantaged students. The facility, built in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), offers 50 residential units accommodating four students each, plus two specially designed units for students with disabilities. With a total capacity of 204 students, the complex features modern amenities including shared bathrooms and CCTV security systems, providing a safe and comfortable living environment at affordable rates. This development helps bridge the substantial housing gap at ITS, where previously only 1,300 housing spots were available for 4,500 new students annually.
Beyond housing support, ITS has implemented various financial assistance programs to ensure education remains accessible. In 2023, through official letter number 7244/IT2.II.1/B/TU.00.02/2023, ITS facilitates a tuition fee reduction program (UKT/SPP) specifically targeting vocational and applied undergraduate students entering at least their second semester. This relief is particularly aimed at students who haven’t received any scholarships and haven’t previously benefited from tuition reductions.
Furthermore, ITS has expanded its support through the IKOMA EMAS 2023 English Mastery Scholarship program. This initiative particularly benefits low-income students, offering 100% free assistance for Bidikmisi scholarship recipients to enhance their language skills through courses like General English Conventional and General English Application. The scholarship also open for Regular students and PKM-track students which, they can receive up to 50% and 25% respectively. This program not only provides financial relief but also equips students with valuable skills for their future careers.
ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING UKT/SPP (TUITION FEE) RELIEF APPLICATION FOR 2023/2024 SEMESTER
ITS’ Directorate of Planning and Development gave notice to ITS Undergraduate and Applied Undergraduate Students. For ITS students who plan to apply for UKT/SPP (tuition fee) relief, need to pay attention on criteria and technical matters written below:
- Applications for UKT/SPP Relief can be submitted through sipmaba.its.ac.id, which is only permitted for undergraduate and vocational/applied undergraduate students (excluding IUP and Joint Degree students). During the application period, eligible students must be at least entering their 2nd (second) semester and must not be current scholarship recipients, including Bidik Misi/KIP-K scholarships or any other scholarships, and must not have previously received a UKT reduction from previous UKT appeal processes.
- Applications for UKT Relief are processed through myITS Portal or portal.its.ac.id using the SIPMABA service application. This is done by updating the UKT verification data that was previously filled out by students when they were prospective new students.
Support System for Low-Income Students at ITS: Ensuring Educational Access for the Bottom 20% Income Group
ITS has established a comprehensive support system specifically targeting students from the bottom 20% of Indonesia’s household income group, demonstrating its commitment to educational accessibility through multiple targeted programs and initiatives. The cornerstone of this support system is the KIP Kuliah (Indonesia Smart College Card) Program, which specifically serves students from families receiving social assistance and those registered in the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS), ensuring that support reaches those in the lowest income quintile. This program has shown remarkable growth, reaching 3,689 recipients in 2023, with a special quota of 827 students benefiting from two distinct support schemes.
The majority of KIP Kuliah recipients, approximately 53%, receive comprehensive support covering both tuition fees and living expenses under Scheme 1, while 44.7% benefit from tuition coverage through Scheme 2. The program’s living allowance is notably responsive to regional economic variations, ranging from Rp 800,000 to Rp 1.4 million monthly, ensuring that support is appropriately scaled to local living costs for these economically disadvantaged students. Complementing this government initiative, the Tunas Unggul Bangsa Scholarship, established through the collaborative efforts of alumni from ITS, PENS, and PPNS, provides additional support for the bottom income quintile. This alumni-driven program specifically aims to ensure that bottom financial quintile students can complete their studies through to graduation without financial impediments, creating a safety net for enrolled students at these institutions.
Further enhancing the support ecosystem, ITS offers the English Mastery Scholarship, which provides full coverage for English language training, particularly benefiting KIP-Kuliah recipients from the lowest-income households. This initiative goes beyond basic financial support by investing in the development of crucial language skills, thereby improving the academic capabilities and future employment prospects of students from low-income backgrounds. Notably, ITS takes an inclusive approach to scholarship opportunities by actively facilitating information about additional funding sources that permit double-funding arrangements. Through its dedicated scholarship information channels, ITS ensures that students, including those already receiving primary support like KIP Kuliah, are aware of and can access supplementary scholarship opportunities. This open policy enables ambitious students to maximize their support and potentially secure additional resources for their educational journey, fostering an environment where motivated students can pursue multiple avenues for academic and personal development. Furthermore, students who haven’t received any scholarships and haven’t previously benefited from tuition reductions still have the opportunity to be assisted through tuition fee reduction program (UKT/SPP) specifically targeting vocational and applied undergraduate students entering at least their second semester, which circulated through official letter number 7244/IT2.II.1/B/TU.00.02/2023.
ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING UKT/SPP (TUITION FEE) RELIEF APPLICATION FOR 2023/2024 SEMESTER
ITS’ Directorate of Planning and Development gave notice to ITS Undergraduate and Applied Undergraduate Students. For ITS students who plan to apply for UKT/SPP (tuition fee) relief, need to pay attention on criteria and technical matters written below:
- Applications for UKT/SPP Relief can be submitted through sipmaba.its.ac.id, which is only permitted for undergraduate and vocational/applied undergraduate students (excluding IUP and Joint Degree students). During the application period, eligible students must be at least entering their 2nd (second) semester and must not be current scholarship recipients, including Bidik Misi/KIP-K scholarships or any other scholarships, and must not have previously received a UKT reduction from previous UKT appeal processes.
- Applications for UKT Relief are processed through myITS Portal or portal.its.ac.id using the SIPMABA service application. This is done by updating the UKT verification data that was previously filled out by students when they were prospective new students.
Empowering Global Education Access: ITS Support for Students from Developing Nations
ITS proactively participate in the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship program, targetting students from low and lower-middle income countries. This comprehensive initiative breaks down financial barriers in higher education while fostering international development and cross-cultural understanding, making quality education accessible to talented students who might otherwise lack such opportunities.
At the heart of this program lies a robust financial support structure that addresses every aspect of a student’s academic journey. Understanding that economic constraints often prevent promising students from pursuing higher education, ITS ensures complete coverage of educational expenses through full tuition waivers. The program goes beyond mere tuition support by providing a monthly living allowance of IDR 2,550,000, complemented by an initial settlement grant of IDR 1,250,000 to ease the transition into academic life in Indonesia. Students also receive comprehensive health insurance, research and book allowances, and complete travel support, including international airfare and local transportation.
The impact of this initiative has been remarkable since its inception in 2009. ITS has successfully graduated 88 international students through the KNB program, contributing to the broader national achievement of supporting 992 students from 71 developing nations. This success has created a vibrant, diverse academic environment that enriches the educational experience for both international and local students, while establishing a strong foundation for supporting scholars from economically challenged backgrounds.
The program’s effectiveness has been further enhanced through the AUN-KNB Scholarship initiative, which specifically caters to students from the ASEAN region. This collaboration offers English-medium instruction to facilitate better academic integration and strengthens regional cooperation in higher education. This additional pathway has proven particularly valuable for students from lower-income ASEAN countries, providing them with increased opportunities for advanced education.
ITS’ approach to supporting students from developing nations extends beyond financial assistance. The institution has created a supportive academic environment that focuses on practical skills development and ensures students can successfully complete their studies. This comprehensive support system reflects ITS’s deep commitment to making quality higher education accessible to talented individuals, regardless of their economic background.
The long-term impact of this program reaches far beyond individual student success. By empowering future leaders from developing nations, ITS facilitates valuable knowledge transfer that benefits students’ home countries. The program builds lasting international academic networks and contributes significantly to global sustainable development goals. Graduates return to their home countries equipped with advanced knowledge and skills, ready to contribute to their nations’ development and progress.
Through these initiatives, ITS demonstrates its dedication to global education accessibility and development. The success of the program in graduating international students showcases its effectiveness in creating meaningful educational opportunities. By removing financial barriers and providing comprehensive support, ITS enables talented students from economically challenged backgrounds to pursue advanced education and contribute to their home countries’ development. This commitment to educational accessibility and excellence continues to shape future leaders and foster international cooperation, making ITS a crucial partner in global educational development.
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Community anti-poverty programmes
ITS’ Comprehensive Support System: Fostering Innovation and Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Local Communities
ITS has been continously nurturing local entrepreneurship, particularly in Jawa Timur and surrounding regions, through its comprehensive support system that combines institutional resources, industry partnerships, and structured development programs. This commitment to fostering entrepreneurship has garnered recognition from regional leadership, including Jawa Timur Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, highlighting the institution’s significant impact on the local business ecosystemAt the core of ITS’ entrepreneurship support system is a multi-faceted approach that combines educational resources, mentorship, and practical assistance. Through its Inkubator dan Layanan Bisnis Inovatif (ILBI), ITS provides structured support encompassing various crucial aspects of business development. This support system is enhanced by strategic partnerships, notably the Pertamuda Workshop Series collaboration with PT Pertamina (Persero), which adds significant value to the entrepreneurial development program. The university’s support structure is designed to be both comprehensive and accessible, offering free workshops and training sessions, access to university facilities, mentorship programs, business development monitoring, and financial support opportunities.
In response to local business needs, ITS has developed targeted technological solutions, exemplified by the WarungKu application. This Point of Sale and Marketing (POSM) tool was created after observing the manual business practices of SMEs in Desa Cikaso, Ciamis, Jawa Barat. The application revolutionizes business operations through real-time stock monitoring, automated transaction processing, and historical transaction logging. It also includes smart marketing features via social media and integration with Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS), making it a comprehensive solution for modern business management.
Recognizing the importance of gender inclusivity in entrepreneurship, ITS organizes specialized womenpreneur training programs through the Laboratorium Entrepreneurship and Small Medium Enterprise Development (ESME). This initiative, developed in collaboration with Monash University Malaysia, focuses on entrepreneurship mindset development, digital marketing strategies, and digital financial report management using the Kasir Pintar platform. The program includes a six-month monitoring and support system and has successfully trained over 150 women entrepreneurs, providing them with essential skills and ongoing support for their business development.
The impact of ITS’s approach to entrepreneurship development is evident in its impressive track record. Currently, ITS supports 52 sustainable start-ups, with 22 receiving funding from the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP). These start-ups span various sectors, including automotive, technology, creative industries, maritime, and emerging medical and pharmaceutical domains.
The financial support aspect is particularly comprehensive, as demonstrated through programs like the Pertamuda Seed and Scale initiative. This program offers initial capital funding of IDR 100 million for top performers, coupled with ten months of business development monitoring and ongoing mentorship support. The impact of these initiatives is evident in the development of innovative solutions across various sectors, including Motor Gesits development, electric coffee roasters, smart drones for urban planning and mapping, and digital solutions for SME management.
ITS’s commitment to sustainable business development is reflected in its emphasis on quality over quantity in start-up development, long-term business sustainability, social and environmental impact, and community benefit focus. The comprehensive nature of ITS’ support system creates a robust foundation for entrepreneurial success by removing significant barriers to entry through free access to resources, structured support systems, and industry partnerships. This accessibility, combined with practical assistance and ongoing monitoring, creates an environment where innovative ideas can flourish and develop into sustainable businesses.
Supporting Local Innovation: ITS’ Integrated Business Incubation Program
ITS through its Directorate of Innovation and Science Technology Area (DIKST), has launched a significant initiative to support local businesses through the Cooperative and MSME Incubation Facilitation Program. The program is expertly managed by ITS’ Innovation and Business Services Incubator (ILBI) in partnership with LPDB-KUMKM (Revolving Fund Management Institution for Cooperatives and MSMEs), offering both financial support and comprehensive mentorship.
Below are some examples of start-ups suported by ILBI ITS:
The program’s reach extends to 26 local businesses, comprising 18 MSMEs or startups and 8 cooperatives. This diverse portfolio allows for a dynamic exchange of strengths between different business models. The startups bring technological readiness and business agility to the table, while the cooperatives contribute their capital readiness and established market base. Support for these businesses comes in multiple forms. Participants gain access to revolving funds from LPDB-KUMKM, receive specialized mentoring programs tailored to their product needs, and benefit from business coaching for development. Additionally, the program opens doors to investment opportunities, loans, and valuable business partnerships.
The initiative represents a pioneering approach by combining two different business entities – startups and cooperatives – into a single supportive ecosystem. This innovative structure aims to facilitate access to revolving fund loans while creating sustainable business development pathways. More importantly, it serves as a bridge between traditional cooperative models and modern startup approaches, fostering innovation in the local business ecosystem.
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ITS’ Holistic Approach to Improving Community Access to Basic Services: Direct and Indirect Programs
ITS demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing community access to basic services through various targeted programs, implementing both direct service provision and capacity-building initiatives. These programs showcase ITS integrated approach to addressing fundamental community needs across different regions, particularly evident in their work in Pacar Keling Village, Surabaya, and Dusun Badu, Wanar Village, Lamongan.
In terms of direct service programs, ITS has implemented significant infrastructure improvements through the Kampung Mitra Program, focusing on drainage enhancement in Pacar Keling Village. This initiative involves the installation of specialized filter systems, known as bar screens, strategically placed at three critical drainage points: RT 1, RT 2, and the main river outlet. These custom-designed filters, measuring 60 by 55 centimeters with a 60-degree inclination and constructed from 10-millimeter reinforced steel bars, directly improve the community’s access to proper drainage infrastructure. Similarly, through their KKN Program in Dusun Badu, ITS has addressed critical electricity supply limitations by installing solar panels at two crucial locations, significantly enhancing community mobility and enabling nighttime activities.
The institution’s commitment extends beyond physical infrastructure through extensive capacity building and knowledge transfer initiatives. Under the guidance of Ir Dwi Nur Fitriyanah SST MT, community members receive thorough technical training in solar panel installation and maintenance. This education covers essential aspects such as sunlight to electrical energy conversion, battery storage systems, and automatic control mechanisms, ensuring communities can independently maintain their solar installations. In parallel, the Kampung Mitra Program provides practical workshops on liquid soap production, teaching community members to create their own cleaning supplies using accessible materials like texapon, salt, essence, and colorants. This is complemented by Clean and Healthy Behavior (PHBS) education, which focuses on fundamental sanitation practices.
To ensure long-term sustainability, ITS has implemented robust support mechanisms for these initiatives. For the solar panel program, this includes continuous monitoring and periodic technical assistance to maintain system functionality. The knowledge transfer approach ensures communities develop practical skills for long-term independence, while the establishment of sustainable hygiene practices creates lasting behavioral change. This strategy ensures that improvements in basic service access are maintained and enhanced over time. The effectiveness of these programs is validated through positive community feedback, particularly from local leadership such as RW 12 Chairman Lukman Warwandono, who confirms their alignment with local development goals. Through this combination of direct infrastructure improvements and sustainable knowledge transfer, ITS demonstrates its commitment to improving basic service access while ensuring community self-sufficiency. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs but also builds lasting capacity within communities to maintain and improve their access to essential services.
ITS: Strategic Policy Engagement for Comprehensive Poverty Alleviation
ITS plays a pivotal role in poverty alleviation through strategic policy engagement across local, national, and global levels. At the national level, ITS significantly contributes to Indonesia’s poverty reduction strategies via its Public Policy Study Center (PKKP-BI). This center collaborates with major universities, forming a think tank that crafts policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the national economy. ITS emphasizes technology-driven economic development, advocating for the alignment of natural resources with technological advancements to achieve economic, energy, and industrial independence. Their policy vision promotes reindustrialization through innovation, fostering sustainable economic opportunities.
Sustainable development is central to ITS’ policy framework. The institution supports Indonesia’s renewable energy transition, aligning with the nation’s Net Zero Emission 2060 goals. ITS promotes local manufacturing in solar panel technology and environmentally friendly power generation, addressing environmental concerns while creating economic opportunities. In human capital development, ITS offers specialized programs like the Innovation System and Technology Master Program, emphasizing STEM education’s role in fostering innovation and economic growth. They advocate for flexible education systems to cultivate a skilled workforce.
Locally, ITS impacts policy development and implementation in Tuban Regency. Guided by ITS’ Development Studies Department, innovative strategies have been crafted to accelerate poverty reduction, focusing on sustainable community-based agro-tourism and agricultural productivity. These efforts align with Tuban Government’s mission to enhance value in agriculture and tourism sectors. ITS’ Center for Regional Potential Studies and Community Empowerment plays a significant role in this policy-making process, culminating in the Annual Action Plan for Accelerating Poverty Reduction in Tuban Regency for 2024.
Globally, ITS advances international poverty alleviation through its Business Management Department. By hosting the 4th International Conference on Business and Engineering Management (IConBEM) 2023, ITS established a platform for international policy dialogue and collaboration, featuring scholars from India and Finland. The institution’s policy strategy involves empowering small-scale entrepreneurs through capacity-building initiatives, including skills development, business management education, and marketing strategies. These programs equip entrepreneurs with the tools needed to build sustainable businesses, creating economic opportunities and reducing poverty.
ITS extends its role beyond academia, serving as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical policy implementation. By facilitating international knowledge exchange and building connections between academic expertise and real-world applications, ITS develops effective poverty alleviation policies applicable across diverse contexts and cultures. Through these multi-level policy engagements, ITS actively participates in policy-making to implement programs and policies aimed at ending poverty in all its dimensions.
