Mr Eko: A Lifetime of Dedication to Building Politeknik Negeri Batam from the Ground Up

BATAM – After accompanying and managing his final farewell at his resting place in Bandung, West Java, today we begin to gather our strength to remember a figure who not only built an institution, but also shaped the way we think, move forward, and dream—Dr. Ir. Priyono Eko Sanyoto, DEA.

Since 2001, he dedicated his life to building Politeknik Negeri Batam from the ground up. It was neither a short journey nor an easy one. Yet, with unwavering belief and determination, he walked every step of the process until Polibatam stands firmly as it is today—becoming a home for countless hopes and futures.

For us, he was more than just a leader. He was a father figure who guided with sincerity, a teacher who taught with patience, a discussion partner who broadened our perspectives, and a figure who never ceased to encourage us at every step. In every moment of uncertainty, he was there to strengthen us. In every doubt, he was there to reassure us.

He was a visionary—someone who could see far beyond his time. His out-of-the-box thinking, strong integrity, and unwavering spirit to advance vocational education in Indonesia have become an irreplaceable foundation. What he built was not only systems, but also values and direction.

He consistently emphasized that education must be relevant to industry needs. With strong conviction, he often introduced the concept of “plug and play,” where there should be no gap between graduates’ competencies and workforce demands. He drove transformation across governance, curriculum, learning methods, and even our mindset as educators.

His major steps became evident in 2011, when he pushed Polibatam to become one of the centers for semiconductor technology development in Indonesia. Through the establishment of the Teaching Factory of Electronic Manufacturing (TFME) in IC Packaging, PCB Manufacturing, and PCB Assembly, he laid a crucial foundation for the nation’s technological future. At that time, not everyone understood his direction, but today we realize how far-sighted his vision truly was.

He also introduced breakthroughs through a two-semester internship program, providing students with more opportunities to grow within industrial environments, while also allowing industries to recognize and trust the quality of Polibatam graduates.

Beyond that, he initiated the establishment of the Aircraft Maintenance Training Organization (AMTO) at Polibatam—a major step that opened pathways for producing internationally recognized aviation professionals. Through official certification by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the establishment of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Study Program, he created real opportunities for young generations to enter the aviation industry. This was not merely a program, but a visionary legacy—that Indonesia must be able to produce professionals trusted in strategic global sectors.

In the academic process, he continuously encouraged fundamental transformation through strengthening Project-Based Learning (PBL) and implementing the CDIO framework (Conceive–Design–Implement–Operate). He wanted students not only to learn, but to experience, create, and understand the real world from an early stage. For him, education was about shaping individuals who are ready to face challenges, not merely mastering theory. These values continue to live in every classroom and every student project at Polibatam today.

When many of us were still hesitant, he had already taken steps ahead. In 2019, he encouraged Polibatam to pursue ABET accreditation from the United States. Without prior experience or a clear roadmap, yet with full confidence that we must learn in order to succeed, Polibatam eventually became a pioneer among polytechnics in Indonesia to achieve such accreditation.

He did not stop there. He also initiated and established the Professional Engineer Program (PSPPI) at Polibatam, making it the only polytechnic in Indonesia to offer such a program. A bold step that demonstrated that limits only exist when we stop moving forward.

Yet his vision never stopped at Polibatam.

He encouraged Indonesia to develop its own international accreditation system for polytechnics through IABEE, expanding its scope to the Sydney Accord and Dublin Accord. His goal was simple yet profound—to ensure that Indonesian vocational education is recognized globally, not only administratively, but in quality and substance.

He was also one of the initiators behind the establishment of ITERATI (The Institution of Engineering Technician and Technologist Indonesia), opening pathways for Indonesian vocational graduates—both engineering technicians (Diploma graduates) and engineering technologists (applied bachelor graduates)—to gain global recognition. By adopting standards from the International Engineering Alliance (IEA) and aligning with agreements such as AIET and IETA, he fought for Indonesian professionals to have international mobility and recognition.

So many great ideas he planted. So many dreams he began. And today, we realize that while many have been realized and continue to grow, many are still unfinished—because his ideas were so vast.

Truthfully, we were not ready to lose him.

We have lost a teacher, an inspirer, a discussion partner, and a figure we always returned to in times of exhaustion. We still long to hear his guidance, to engage in long discussions, and to see that unwavering belief in his eyes.

But we know… he would not want us to stop.

We will continue this journey. We will preserve that spirit. We will make innovation the essence of our struggle, as he always taught us.

Farewell, our role model. Thank you for every lesson, every trust, and every dream you entrusted to us. Your continuous charity will keep flowing—in every step we take and in the thousands of vocational students and graduates across Indonesia, in every work inspired by your spirit. May Allah SWT grant you the best place by His side.

You may have left, but your spirit will continue to live in our hearts, in our steps, and in every effort to advance vocational higher education in Indonesia.

Batam, April 14, 2026

From all of us who will always miss you

Author:
Ahmad Riyad Firdaus

#Polibatam #HumasKerjasamaPolibatam #PakEko #InMemoriam