Strengthening Governance and Research Downstreaming, DKST ITB Facilitates PRIME STEP Program Review Mission

BANDUNG, DKST.ITB.AC.ID – The Directorate of Science and Technology Area (DKST) Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) facilitated the implementation of the Review Mission agenda for the Promoting Research and Innovation through Modern and Efficient Science and Technology Parks (PRIME STEP) program. This series of evaluation and coordination activities took place at the ITB Innovation Park Bandung Technopolis, Gedebage, on November 18–20, 2025.

The review mission was led by a delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with Yumiko Yamakawa, Senior Education Specialist, serving as the team leader. The presence of the mission team aimed to monitor the overall progress of the project's implementation, spanning from administrative aspects to physical achievements on the ground.

The strategic agenda was also attended by the Director General of Research and Development of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), Dr. Fauzan Adziman, S.T., M.Eng., on Wednesday (19/11/2025). The presence of the Director General of Research and Development provided strong reinforcement for the entire implementation team to ensure the program aligns with regulatory frameworks and national targets.

The meeting involved representatives from four beneficiary State Universities as Legal Entities (PTNBH), namely Universitas Indonesia (UI), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), IPB University, and ITB. Each university dispatched its Project Implementation Unit (PIU) team to present their latest progress reports.

Several leaders from DKST ITB were present to represent the institution across various discussion sessions. Among them were the Director of DKST, Ir. R. Sugeng Joko Sarwono, M.T., Ph.D.; Deputy Director for Area Business Development, Melia Famiola, S.T.P., M.T., Ph.D.; and Head of the Subdirectorate of Program, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Sigit Purwanto, S.T., M.T.

According to the schedule, the primary focus of the discussions included a review of the key performance indicators (Design and Monitoring Framework/DMF) across the three project components. Participants examined the progress status of procurement of goods and services, budget realization (disbursement), and implementation challenges encountered throughout the current year.

ITB specifically presented progress regarding applied research and the startup incubation program. The report covered the selection process for innovation tenants in 2025 as well as strategic planning for the 2026 period, aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the campus environment.

Beyond the technical aspects, the forum also addressed compliance with project management standards. Discussions on the final day highlighted issues related to environmental and social safeguards, the Gender Action Plan, and financial risk management to guarantee accountability in fund utilization.

The Review Mission series concluded with a discussion on Additional Financing plans as a step toward further development. The synergy among Kemdiktisaintek, ADB, and the four PTNBH through regular evaluation forums like this is expected to bolster the foundation of the Science and Technology Area as a driving force for innovation in Indonesia.