Dr Alim Setiawan, IPB University’s Rector: Solidarity is Our Social Capital for Progress
The IPB University Board of Trustees (MWA) officially inaugurated Dr Alim Setiawan as the Interim Rector of IPB University for the 2023–2028 term. The inauguration was led by the Chair of the MWA of IPB University, Prof Hardinsyah, at the Andi Hakim Nasution Auditorium, IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (12/11).
Dr Alim Setiawan replaces Prof Arif Satria, who now serves as Chairman of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). At 43 years old, Dr Alim rector of IPB University.
Dr Alim Setiawan was born in Demak on February 27, 1982. He began his academic career as a lecturer in the Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Management, specializing in strategic management, operational research, supply chain management, and agricultural marketing.
He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the Agricultural Industrial Technology Study Program, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, IPB University. He then earned his doctorate in Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics from the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Ehime University, Japan.
During his career, Dr Alim has served as Assistant Rector (2007–2013), Chairman of the Rector’s Secretariat Office (2013–2014), Director of Student Affairs and Career Development (2018–2023), and Vice Rector for Resource and Infrastructure Resilience (2023–2025).
In his speech, Dr Alim Setiawan expressed his determination to continue the foundation laid by previous rectors. He said that leadership must be future-oriented, provide room for growth for the entire academic community, and encourage innovation.
“Growing up in a family of teachers and farmers has made me understand that planting knowledge is an investment in the future. IPB is entering a new phase toward becoming a technopreneurial university within the framework of Agromaritim 5.0,” he said.
Dr Alim emphasized the importance of strengthening the link and match-based curriculum, developing future skills for change leaders, and creating the best environment for students and lecturers to thrive. “Solidarity and unity are our social capital to leap higher,” he said.
With this inauguration, IPB University begins a new phase of leadership that is expected to drive institutional transformation towards a world-class campus based on innovation, sustainability, and resilience.
In his speech, Prof Hardinsyah congratulated the new rector and asked Dr Alim to take over. He emphasized that this leadership change is part of the improvement of IPB University’s governance.
“This moment is not just a change of leadership, but a step towards improving governance towards IPB 2045,” he said.
Prof Hardinsyah emphasized the importance of strengthening reputation, innovation, and readiness to face the dynamics of change. He said that IPB University must continue to adapt, including through the revision of the 2045 Strategic Plan (Renstra).
On the same occasion, Prof Arif Satria conveyed a number of messages for Dr Alim’s upcoming leadership.
“We have a big dream for IPB to become a global south leadership based on innopreneurship. This strategy is a long journey and must be realized through collective work,” he said.
Prof Arif also highlighted the importance of revising the 2045 Strategic Plan, strengthening IPB’s reputation, and managing the science and technology ecosystem, including the utilization of technology and the expansion of international cooperation. (dh) (IAAS/LAN)
