"I encourage students and civitas academica of ITS to create innovation and technology to assist people in disadvantaged regions and remote places," the minister said after giving a speech at a studium generale at the ITS campus on Wednesday.
Rismaharini commended the university, which has been contributing to the state all along through its innovative works.
She recalled some of the university's innovations, which have been used to support her ministry’s programs.
"In some instances, we have been assisted by ITS. For example, earthquake-resistant residential building, micro-hydro, and ships. And these (innovations) have been done with knowledge transfer method," she elaborated.
Thus, the university's innovations have not merely been projects to be completed, she said. There has been an educational intent manifested through training for the public, Rismaharini noted.
"Fellows from ITS also facilitate people in Papuan regions, for example. Despite the terrain that is difficult to traverse through," she said.
The minister pointed out that based on her experience collaborating with them — from when she was Surabaya Mayor to her current appointment as Social Affairs Minister — the university's technology has offered many great benefits.
The quality of the university's technology is the same as similar products in the market. Moreover, it is much cheaper and affordable, while also offering similar functions as other products.
Rector of Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology Prof. Mochamad Ansari said that his administration will always support and assist the public through innovations in technology.
He cited ship-building in Papua as an example, wherein the lecturers take part in the manufacturing process in person.
"Developing remote areas is (a way to) foster empathy, realizing that around us, there are many who need help," he said.
ITS has befitting technology to achieve that end, he added. Coupled with programs from the ministry, all the university needs to do is do it, for example, by preparing architects or building ships, Ansari elaborated.
Related news: Jokowi asks ITS alumni to participate in maritime development
Translator: Willi Irawan, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
