Institut Teknologi Bandung

ITB partnered on this initiative with the JBI Center for Indonesian Sign Language in West Java Province, which included Billy Birlan Purnama, Annisa Amalia, and Purbaningsih Dini Sashanti. Annisa and Purbaningsih, the two JBIs, are both ITB alumnae.

When interviewed by the Communication and Public Relation Bureau ITB, Billy Birlan Purnama expressed his delight at being a part of this event. He believes that in the future, ITB will be able to frequently organize programs with sign language interpreters to meet the needs of Deaf people. "In addition to large events, such as meetings, seminars, or workshops, if there are Deaf people present, a sign language interpreter is required for the convenience of communication," Billy explained.

JBI use Indonesian sign language for the interpretation. Gerkatin's presence is intended to aid in the process of translating sign language and to serve as a mentor because there is a code of conduct for sign monitoring. "It is my first time to be here for the ITB graduation, and I am really delighted to see the rector because previously, very few people knew about our rights," Billy remarked.

He praised ITB for being one of the first universities to implement JBI. This is excellent since the graduation will be aired on YouTube, allowing Deaf people who happen to be watching to learn about the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Annisa Amalia, an ITB alumna, says she was excited to be back on campus. She explained that she began learning sign language as a volunteer, then she concentrated on mastering it for three months. "However, in an occasion like this, there must still be a companion from the Deaf people," she explained. Annisa further stated that the presence of JBI on campus can help the institution in welcoming more people with special needs. The implementation of JBI for other ceremonial events at ITB will continue after the October 2021 Graduation Ceremony.

Reporter: Adi Permana
Translator: Sekar Dianwidi Bisowarno (Bioengineering, 2019)