Enviro News Asia, Jakarta — Age is just a number. Creativity and contribution should never be limited by age. This statement perfectly reflects the spirit and achievements of the Geological Engineering alumni from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Class of 1973.
This cohort of 57 individuals first set foot on the Ganesha Campus 52 years ago. Today, all of them are over 70 years old—yet they continue to make meaningful contributions. Some still serve as lecturers, consultants, or activists in community empowerment institutions focused on innovation and technology. Some even remain at the helm of companies.
They gathered on Sunday, May 4, 2025, for a Halal Bihalal and reunion event. The meeting was filled with laughter, heartfelt embraces, and nostalgic stories. Their memories of student life on the lush, beautiful, and comfortable Ganesha Campus came vividly back to life.
Most of them graduated between 1978 and 1980. After graduation, they pursued diverse careers and made significant contributions in various professions. Some became geologists, explorationists, geophysicists, disaster management experts, petroleum geochemists, environmental geologists, and volcanologists. Among them are those who became lecturers and professors at ITB and other universities, as well as those who reached high-level positions such as Deputy Ministers, Coordinating Ministers, Directors General, Deputies of the Oil and Gas Management Agency (BP Migas), leaders in private companies, and contributors to many other fields.
“We must be grateful for still being given the opportunity to serve society, the nation, and the country,” said Dr. Idwan Soehardi, a 1973 Geological Engineering alumnus and former Deputy Minister of Research and Technology, as well as a member of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR-RI) from 1992 to 1997.
“This long life is a blessing from God that we must be thankful for,” added Tatang Soetisna, also a 1973 alumnus and former Vice President of Corporate Planning at Pertamina, while quoting several verses from the Quran about gratitude and character.
Another alumnus, Setiabudi Djaelani, launched his book titled “Pesantren Qur’an Online Itu Bernama Al Zoomiyah”. Meanwhile, Dr. Achmad Djumarma introduced his latest work titled “Perawi Gunung Api” (“The Narrator of Volcanoes”), chronicling his life experiences studying volcanology and his journey to active volcanoes around the world, from New Zealand to Mount St. Helens in the United States.
Intellectual insights were also shared by Indroyono Soesilo, former Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, through a live demonstration of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. While such technology offers solutions to many societal challenges, he also emphasized the importance of considering its potential negative impacts.
Of the 57 members of the class, 13 alumni have passed away. Yet the motto of the ITB Geological Engineering Class of 1973 remains eternal:
“Lifelong Friendship Under the Symbol of Ganesha.”
