Ir. Agus Widjanarko, Secretary General of Ministry of Public Works
(MPW), who delivered the congratulatory message on behalf of the
Minister of Public Works, stressed that Indonesia and Thailand should
enhance overall exchange and cooperation in all aspects, including
education. He stated that cooperation with AIT is important, and since
AIT is an international institution, cooperation programs would provide
Indonesia an opportunity to network with many other institutions as
well. Ir. Agus conveyed the message of the Minister who wished to see
the AIT Center in Indonesia strengthened further. He also reiterated
the commitment of the ministry to continue to support the Center.
Dr. Fasli Jalal, Director General of Higher Education (DIKTI), who
represented the Minister of National Education, appreciated AIT’s
collaboration with Indonesian universities including dual degree or
sandwich program, faculty/staff and student exchange and joint research
activities. He stated that there exists a huge potential of developing
a joint program dealing with disaster management.
Professor Hubert Gijzen, member of the AIT Executive Committee and AIT
Board of Trustees, who is the Director and Representative, UNESCO
Jakarta, Indonesia, also delivered an inspiring speech.
Prof. Abraham Lomi, President, AIT Alumni Association – Indonesia
Chapter and Rector, Institut Teknologi Nasional (ITN) Malang shared his
positive experiences of studying at AIT. Dr. Sugimin Pranoto, Director
of AIT Center in Indonesia (AITCI) also enumerated the role and
initiatives of the AIT-Indonesia collaborative undertaking.
AIT President Said Irandoust explained how AIT and Indonesia have
enjoyed a long history of mutual collaboration. A total of 668
Indonesians have graduated from AIT since 1971. Currently, 69 students
from Indonesia are enrolled at AIT in Thailand. In collaboration with
the Ministry of Public Works, Indonesia, in 2006 AIT opened a center in
Bandung to facilitate greater cooperation for higher education. A total
of nine representatives from Indonesia have been members of AIT’s Board
of Trustees since 1968.
AIT President Said Irandoust (left)
speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of AIT at
Indonesia.