Enviro News Asia, Bandung – The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) inaugurated the Labtek XV Building, officially named the Molecular Engineering and Functional Materials Building, on Thursday (August 7, 2025) at ITB’s Ganesha Campus.
The inauguration marked the completion of a new facility developed in collaboration between ITB, PT Pertamina (Persero), and PT Paragon Technology and Innovation.
ITB Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., stated that the building, constructed on the former Old Chemistry Building site since November 2023, serves as a modern, integrated facility with a vital role in education and research at the molecular level and its applications in various fields, including energy, health, food, environment, and materials development.
The facility is expected to address global challenges in areas such as electronics, sensors, energy storage, and other technologies that contribute to various aspects of sustainable development.
“With this integrated facility, we hope to produce more applicable scientific works, innovative learning experiences, and tangible solutions that benefit the nation,” said Prof. Tatacipta in his official statement.
Paragon Corp CEO, Harman Subakat, expressed his hope that the ITB Labtek XV Building would become a gateway for groundbreaking innovations—a place where change begins.
“We believe that every experiment, no matter how small, is the first step toward impactful solutions. In the hands of young innovators, technology is not merely a tool, but a bridge toward a better civilization,” he said.
Pertamina President Director, Simon Aloysius Mantiri, noted that the facility’s construction is part of efforts to advance Indonesia’s education sector.
He expressed appreciation for all parties committed to fostering the nation’s future through education.
“This building is only the beginning, not the end. It marks the start of a long journey and, certainly, the beginning of closer collaborations to come,” he remarked.
The event included the signing of the inauguration plaque, followed by a tour of the building.
With the establishment of the Molecular Engineering and Functional Materials Building, ITB reaffirms its commitment to strengthening a collaborative research and innovation ecosystem between academia and industry.
The facility is expected to become a center of excellence in science and technology development, further enhancing ITB’s contribution to addressing national and global challenges in molecular engineering and functional materials. (*)
