Surabaya, Indonesia – November 21, 2025 – The Virtual CommTECH Nusantara 2025, held from November 10 to 21 via Zoom, was orchestrated by the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Global Engagement in Surabaya.
This digital gathering united a diverse array of international participants to pay tribute to Indonesian culture and history under the compelling theme, “The Spirit of Indonesia’s Heroes.” The event honored those who have often remained in the shadows of history, fostering an environment of cross-cultural learning and scholarly exchange.
The program commenced with a virtual opening ceremony and campus tour, immersing attendees in Indonesia’s dynamic academic landscape. Over the course of two weeks, participants explored historic sites across Surabaya and engaged in cultural showcases from Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara, and Papua.
These experiences highlighted Indonesia’s rich regional diversity, deepening understanding of its multifaceted heritage.
A defining element of the program was the Final Project Presentation, during which students unveiled their research on November 19. The projects spanned historical analysis, cultural studies, and social issues, all dedicated to illuminating the stories of Indonesia’s unsung heroes.
A memorable highlight took place at the Awards Ceremony on November 21, where Mr. Jofken A. Apoya, Jr., a second-year Bachelor of Arts in Filipino student from Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) in Tacloban City, Philippines, was recognized with a Notable Mention for Best Presentation.
His project, titled “Uncovering the Hidden Battle: Brig. Gen. Hasan Basry, the Forgotten Struggle of 1949, and the Unkept Promise of Linggarjati,” was celebrated for its depth, clarity, and emotional resonance. Apoya’s work provided a compelling new perspective on Brig. Gen. Hasan Basry’s overlooked contributions to Kalimantan’s fight for independence.
With participation from 32 universities across the Philippines, China, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Pakistan, and Peru, the event demonstrated the transformative potential of digital platforms in fostering international academic partnerships.
As CommTECH Nusantara 2025 concluded, organizers commended the unwavering commitment of all participants in safeguarding historical memory and paying tribute to Indonesia’s heroes, both renowned and unrecognized.
Written by: Prof. Faustito Aure
This bulletin is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 04: QUality Education; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
