French Government Honors ITB Deputy Rector with Chevalier Title

RRI.CO.ID, Bandung - The French government has awarded Andryanto Rikrik Kusmara, Deputy Rector for Communication, Partnerships, Alumni, and Administration at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the title of Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques.

The honor was conferred by Fabien Penone, French Ambassador to Indonesia, Timor‑Leste, and ASEAN, during a ceremony at ITB’s Center for Arts, Design and Language (CADL) on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

The Ordre des Palmes Académiques, established by Napoleon in 1808, is one of France’s most distinguished honors, recognizing exceptional contributions to education, science, culture, and heritage. Past recipients include Marie Curie, Jean‑Baptiste Charcot, and Léopold Sédar Senghor.

Ambassador Penone praised Rikrik’s achievements. “Today, Andryanto Rikrik Kusmara, you join a distinguished group that includes Marie Curie, Jean‑Baptiste Charcot, and Léopold Sédar Senghor. I am pleased this ceremony takes place at ITB, a symbol of Indonesia’s excellence and a long‑standing partner of France. Through you, France honors an artist, educator, and builder,” he said, as quoted on ITB’s official website.

He highlighted Rikrik’s role as a curator shaping Indonesia’s contemporary art landscape and his efforts in strengthening Bandung–Saint‑Étienne cooperation, which led to the creation of Indonesia’s first Material Library at ITB’s Faculty of Art and Design.

“Rikrik has built partnerships with leading French institutions such as Université Paris 1 Panthéon‑Sorbonne and École Supérieure d’Art et Design Saint‑Étienne. He is also a key figure in the Bandung–Saint‑Étienne Design Cities program, connecting academia, research, industry, and civil society,” Ambassador Penone added.

In his acceptance speech, Rikrik expressed deep gratitude. “Today is a profoundly meaningful moment in my career and professional journey. With humility and honor, I accept the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques bestowed by the Government of France,” he said.

Rikrik stressed that the award reflects not only personal achievement but also the long‑standing collaboration and intellectual exchange between Indonesia and France.

Rikrik recalled his early connection to French culture through the Centre Culturel Français (CCF) Bandung, now the Institut Français d’Indonésie (IFI). “CCF was one of Bandung’s windows to the world, introducing curiosity, openness, creativity, and cultural dialogue,” he explained.

As an ITB art student in the 1990s, he absorbed French thought through exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, and cultural programs, shaping his belief that art and culture are vital tools for society to understand itself and envision the future.

He also acknowledged IFI’s role in expanding international networks. “Since 2013, collaboration with IFI has supported the development of ITB’s Master of Arts program and connected ITB with leading academics and cultural institutions in France,” he noted.

Rikrik pointed to initiatives such as the Bandung Photography Triennale, Bandung Connex, Bandung Design Biennale, Bandung Light Festival, the revival of Pasar Seni ITB (ITB Art Market) after 11 years, Akulturasa Festival, which blends science, technology, and art, and the upcoming opening of the ITB Museum on July 3, 2026.

“These initiatives show that cultural cooperation is not only about knowledge exchange. Its true value lies in strengthening institutions, expanding opportunities for communities and youth, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable social and economic impact,” he concluded.

Currently serving as ITB Deputy Rector (2025–2030), Rikrik is also a Senior Lecturer at ITB’s Faculty of Art and Design. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in 1995, Master’s in 1999, and Doctorate in 2011, all from ITB, and previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Art and Design.

This recognition underscores the growing importance of Indonesia–France cultural cooperation, the role of academic diplomacy, and ITB’s contributions to creative and cultural innovation. ***