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According to Ir. R. Sugeng Joko Sarwono, M.T., Ph.D., Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Area Directorate (DKST) at ITB, the event featured an innovation exhibition categorized into three main groups, each reflecting the spirit of Asta Cita—the eight national research priority areas guiding Indonesia's future technological development.

The first group included eight thematic clusters aligned with Asta Cita:Food Security, Energy, Defense, Digitalisation: AI & Semiconductors, Health, Downstreaming & Industrialisation, Maritime, Advanced Materials & Manufacturing.

"Each booth showcases technological products developed through collaborations among universities—from the seven State Universities with Legal Entity (PTNBH) ranked among the world’s top 500, to other higher education institutions. This collaboration is a concrete manifestation of the drive to build technological self-reliance, strengthen national competitiveness, and accelerate research downstreaming," he explained.

The second group comprised general product booths, displaying selected innovations from individual universities. Meanwhile, the third group featured KSTI partners from the industrial sector and institutions.

"Their participation embodies the Asta Cita vision of strengthening synergy between academia, industry, and the government," he added.

Dr. Grandprix Thomryes Marth Kadja, M.Si., Deputy Director for the Development of Centers/Research Centers/Centers of Scientific Excellence at ITB's Directorate of Research and Innovation (DRI), highlighted a major exhibition highlight: the Merah Putih Catalyst booth, which was personally visited by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto.

"This booth featured catalyst technology for refinery, petrochemical, and oleochemical industries, developed by ITB's Center for Catalysis Engineering. The innovations also cover palm oil conversion into edible oil and energy sources, including palm gasoline (bensa)," he explained.

During the visit, a memorandum of understanding was also signed between ITB, the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS), Pertamina, and PT Pindad to further develop the technology.

"The President personally inquired about the progress of this technology from Prof. Subagjo, a professor at the Faculty of Industrial Technology (FTI) at ITB, who is the pioneer of the Merah Putih Catalyst, including its downstream collaboration potential to broaden its benefits," he said.

The KSTI 2025 innovation exhibition served as a meeting point for various stakeholders, including the government, academia, industry, and regulators. Its goals are to build technological sovereignty, support sustainability, and generate real solutions to national challenges—all driven by the Asta Cita spirit, from ensuring food security to mastering advanced material and manufacturing technologies, toward a more self-reliant and globally competitive Indonesia.