Bayu Jayawardhana awarded ITB’s top distinction
Professor Bayu Jayawardhana of the University of Groningen (UG) has received the Ganesa Widya Jasa Adiutama award, the highest recognition of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) in Indonesia. The distinction recognises his contributions to science and technology and his role in strengthening the relationship between the UG and ITB. As Jayawardhana was unable to attend the ceremony in person, the award was accepted on his behalf by family members.
Jayawardhana is Professor of Mechatronics and Control of Nonlinear Systems, Director of Engineering at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Scientific Director of the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen, and Scientific Director of the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control. He also serves as an academic ambassador for the University of Groningen’s technical disciplines in Southeast Asia and has been active in supporting the university’s collaboration with ITB. His role as chairman of the Bandoengse Technische Hoogeschool Fonds (BTHF) also reflects his broader commitment to strengthening scientific and engineering ties between ITB and Dutch universities.
Ganesa Widya Jasa Adiutama Award
ITB presents the Ganesa Widya Jasa Adiutama Award to individuals and institutions that have made exceptional contributions to the development of science, technology and the arts. The award reflects not only Jayawardhana’s academic standing, but also the importance of the long-standing partnership between Groningen and Bandung.
Prof. Jayawardhana deserves this award for his outstanding scientific achievements and his contribution to international academic collaboration, as well as to the reputation of both Indonesia and ITB. As an ITB alumnus, he has made important contributions to science and technology and is highly deserving of this honour.
Strategic partnership
The collaboration between the University of Groningen and ITB has grown over decades into one of the university’s most productive research partnerships, with strong links in technical disciplines. During ITB Rector Tatacipta Dirgantara’s visit to Groningen in September 2025, both institutions discussed further strengthening their strategic relationship and exploring a new university-to-university dimension to the partnership.
The award comes at a moment when both universities are looking to deepen cooperation in research, education and doctoral training. That broader ambition will be explored further in the next phase of the partnership, which the University of Groningen and ITB aim to shape together.