ITB Commemorated 100 Years of Bosscha Observatory

Oleh Adi Permana

Editor Vera Citra Utami

January 30, 2023 - ( update : 06-02-2023 )

LEMBANG, itb.ac.id – 2023 is a special moment for astronomy in Indonesia. This year, Bosscha Observatory Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) turned 100 years old. As an education and research institution in the field of astronomy, Bosscha Observatory has contributed massively to the development of astronomy and science in Indonesia and even worldwide. For that, on 30 January 2023, ITB held a Bosscha Observatory Centennial Commemoration in Lembang, West Bandung Regency.

According to the Rector of ITB, Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, this commemoration event not only celebrates Bosscha's 100th anniversary but also appreciates the endeavours and works of Bosscha's founder, in addition to appreciating all individuals and parties that have contributed to every step of this long history.

Prof. Reini asserted that Bosscha Observatory is not 'only' a cultural and scientific heritage that was entrusted to ITB to be looked after. "The thinking of K.A.R. Bosscha in choosing the location of this laboratory which is not too far from Technische Hoogeschool Bandung to ensure the development of its human resource, was truly visionary," said Prof. Reini in her remark. Moreover, she explained that a modern observatory is a manifestation of scientific, design, and multidisciplinary technological integration, which has always existed in astronomy's development strategy.

The Head of Bosscha Observatory, Dra. Premana Wardayanti Premadi, Ph.D., expressed her gratitude for the support of all the parties that have made Bosscha Observatory stand proudly in its 100 years old as an astronomical observatory that has always been actively contributing to the development of astronomy and science for the community.

As a part of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMNS) ITB, Bosscha Observatory withhold the mandate of the Three Pillars of Higher Education in its scope of work, including celestial objects observation, observatory instrumentation and technological information development, education, and community service.

Meanwhile, regarding the future development roadmap of Bosscha Observatory, the institution already has several plans, such as building robotic telescope networks in several locations, utilizing international big data science, developing astronomical radio, and pioneering and strengthening community networks and astronomical facilities in Indonesia.

In 2023, in addition to organizing a centennial commemoration of Bosscha Observatory, the institution will organize several events such as an education and observation expedition on Total Sun Eclipse on 20 April 2023, an international symposium titled "From the Universe Back to Earth: Developing Astronomy to Meet Today's Natural Challenge" in July 2023, and a mini-conference on Bosscha as a Scientific and Cultural Heritage in October 2023.

Bosscha Observatory is a laboratory under the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences ITB. As a part of ITB, Bosscha Observatory also withholds the task of carrying out research, education, and community service. Together with the Astronomy Study Program, Bosscha Observatory has produced astronomy graduates who are actively contributing to the field of astronomy both at home and abroad.

"A century of Bosscha Observatory was not an easy journey in the midst of scientific advancement that demands it to keep advancing and play an effective role. A large number of astronomers have fought hard to ensure the preservation and function of this observatory," said the Dean of FMNS, Prof. Ir. Wahyu Srigutomo, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.

Prof. Wahyu conveyed that the endeavour to keep providing prime service is carried out by developing robotic instruments for research and educational needs, in addition to innovations in the form of scientific literacy activities to increase its outreach to the broader community. In the future, he continued, Bosscha Observatory needs to prepare for a transformation to become an astronomical "Center of Excellence".

The centennial commemoration of Bosscha Observatory invited the Governor of West Java, Ridwan Kamil to give a remark along with Acting Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology, Prof. Nizam, Ph.D. Famous astronomers also attended the event, such as the Director of East Asian Observatory Prof. Paul Ho, and the Head of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences Prof. Dr. Ir. Satryo S. Brodjonegoro. No less important events were the launching of the Century Stamp of Bosscha Observatory and the bestowal of the astronomy community award to an Indonesian Astronomy Figure, Prof. Bambang Hidayat, and the provision of an astronomy education box from Erlangga Publisher.