Keling Kumang Institute of Technology: The Harvard of Bumi Lawang Kuwari
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| The Keling Kumang Institute of Technology (Institut Teknologi Keling Kumang -- ITKK) campus complex is a stunning sight. Photo by: Arbain Rambey. |
SEKADAU - dayaktoday.com: As seen in the illustration, the Keling Kumang Institute of Technology (Institut Teknologi Keling Kumang -- ITKK) campus complex is a stunning sight.
It was beautifully captured from the air by renowned Indonesian photographer Arbain Rambey using a drone.
The campus stands majestically, showcasing a vision of modernity and ambition. This design reflects the aspirations of its community.
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Facing the city of Sekadau, affectionately known as Bumi Lawang Kuwari, ITKK plays a pivotal role in the region's educational landscape. Its strategic location also extends towards the city of Sintang in the eastern part of West Kalimantan, connecting the two communities through knowledge and opportunity.
ITKK: Dari Sekadau untuk bangsa
This striking architectural marvel not only symbolizes the ambitions of the Dayak community but also serves as a beacon of education and progress in the region.
ITKK is dedicated to fostering a brighter future for its students and the local populace, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in higher education.
With the motto "Dari Sekadau untuk Bangsa" (From Sekadau for the Nation) this university, named after the distinctive Dayak Iban culture, features a physical structure that strikingly resembles Harvard University from the front.
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The Dayak community has indeed been somewhat "late" to engage in higher education, but their journey hasn't been without challenges.
Establishing universities in Indonesia involves many challenges, including obtaining permits and securing land, infrastructure, human resources, and funding. Despite these hurdles, the Gerakan Keling Kumang (GKK) -- Keling Kumang Credit Union Movement-- successfully established the Keling Kumang Institute of Technology (ITKK) in Sekadau, West Kalimantan, in 2020. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Dayak community, recognized as the first nation of Borneo.
On August 5, 2025, ITKK celebrated a monumental achievement that underscores its role in Indonesia's educational landscape.
The fourth anniversary celebration, held on August 5-6, 2024, featured the inauguration of a new Rectorate Building on Sekadau-Sintang Road.
This event not only signifies remarkable progress for this relatively young institution but also provides a substantial boost to higher education in Sekadau.
Inauguration and MURI Record
The inauguration of the Rectorate Building was further highlighted by an exciting achievement: ITKK set a record with the Indonesian World Record Museum (MURI) for the category of "Most ISBN-registered Books Launched (60 books) by an Institution Managed by Indigenous People." This accomplishment reflects ITKK's dedication to developing academic potential and empowering the local community.
The new Rectorate Building serves not only as a physical symbol of progress but also as a beacon of hope for ITKK. Its design, which blends local and international elements, embodies the institute’s ambition to become a center of educational excellence in Sekadau. This inauguration has a wide-reaching positive impact on the academic community and society at large, promoting quality education that can drive regional and national development.
Ceremonial welcome and traditional greetings
The inauguration ceremony commenced with a vibrant traditional welcome, attended by the Head of LLDIKTI XI for the Kalimantan region, Dr. H. M. Akbar, and the Bupati of Sekadau, Aron, S.H., along with other distinguished guests.
The Chairman of the Keling Kumang Education Foundation, Redemptus Musa, and the Rector of ITKK, Stefanus Masiun, warmly greeted them. The ceremony included a traditional bamboo cutting ritual and a captivating Dayak dance performed by students from SMK Keling Kumang.
The new campus, known as the Rectorate Building, has completed its finishing touches and is set to begin operations in March 2024.
The inauguration is planned to feature international-level events, marking a significant step in ITKK's evolution as a leading educational institution, with hopes of becoming a model for other educational establishments across Indonesia.
The Journey Behind the Establishment of Keling Kumang Institute of Technology
Musa Narang, chairman of the Keling Kumang Education Foundation, explained that the establishment of the Keling Kumang Institute of Technology was not a sudden initiative but rather the culmination of a long-standing aspiration among members of CU Keling Kumang. More than a decade ago, cooperative members had voiced the need for a higher education institution that would empower the Dayak community through knowledge and skills. Over the years, this vision gradually took shape, driven by the belief that education is a fundamental tool for social and economic advancement.
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According to Musa, one of the core aspirations of CU Keling Kumang members was to ensure that every Dayak family had at least one college graduate. This goal was not merely about obtaining degrees but about equipping the younger generation with the competencies needed to compete in a rapidly changing world while staying rooted in their cultural identity. He emphasized that the opening of the Keling Kumang Institute of Technology was a direct response to this long-standing proposal, turning aspirations into tangible reality.
Musa also highlighted the many challenges encountered during the process of establishing the institution, particularly in securing government approval. Obtaining recognition from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology was a complex and time-consuming process, requiring persistent efforts to navigate bureaucratic hurdles. The project demanded not only administrative compliance but also financial resources, infrastructure, and academic planning to meet national higher education standards.
Despite these difficulties, the unwavering commitment of the Keling Kumang Movement made the dream possible. Musa acknowledged that without the strong backing of this community-driven movement, spearheaded by CU Keling Kumang, the initiative would have remained an idea rather than a reality. He stressed that the institution's success was not just the achievement of a few individuals but a collective effort of the entire community. The people of Sekadau and the surrounding areas played a crucial role in shaping and supporting this milestone, proving that when a community unites behind a shared vision, significant progress can be made.
The establishment of the Keling Kumang Institute of Technology marks a significant step forward for the Dayak people, reflecting their determination to take control of their educational future. By investing in higher education, they are not only securing opportunities for the next generation but also laying the foundation for sustainable economic and social development in the region.
ITKK: The Harvard of Sekadau, Bumi Lawang Kuwari
Drawing a comparison between ITKK's Rectorate Building and Harvard University highlights the institution’s spirit and determination to become an influential educational hub.
ITKK’s modern architectural design integrates elements of Dayak culture, creating a structure that is not only functional but also meets contemporary educational needs. While ITKK may lack the long history of Harvard, it strives for high standards in STEM-based programs and academic development.
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With the motto "Dari Sekadau untuk bangsa: - From Sekadau for the Nation," ITKK aims to blend local uniqueness with global aspirations in education. Though younger, ITKK is committed to producing high-quality graduates, mirroring Harvard's tradition of academic excellence and innovation.
Through these achievements, ITKK demonstrates that great potential exists anywhere, reflecting the beauty and excellence inherent in all their efforts. This is a tangible step toward advancing education and empowering communities in West Kalimantan, contributing significantly to the progress of Indonesia as a whole.
-- Rangkaya Bada