As Head of the Master of Business Administration Program at the School of Business and Management, Institute Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB), Jakarta Campus, Dr. Isti Raafaldini Mirzanti, M.M. combines practical experience, an entrepreneurial mindset, and adaptive leadership with her background in science, industry, academia, and institutional development.
Her career trajectory may seem unconventional at first glance. Isti’s academic journey began in the Chemistry Department of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Padjadjaran University. Her early career in the pharmaceutical industry introduced her to a scientific mindset, one in which hypotheses are tested, processes are refined, and conclusions are based on evidence.
Over time, she became interested in the broader managerial and strategic context behind scientific innovation. This interest led her to pursue postgraduate studies in management. She often describes this transition as a move from the “black-and-white certainties of natural science” to the more nuanced and multidimensional world of management.
This transition also strengthened her entrepreneurial mindset. Rather than seeing boundaries between disciplines, she developed the ability to identify opportunities, connect ideas, and create practical solutions across fields. She believes that innovation is not limited to business creation but also encompasses the ability to improve systems, develop meaningful learning experiences, and proactively respond to the changing needs of organizations and society.
In 2008, she joined SBM ITB. While teaching and contributing to the school’s development, she continued her academic journey and completed her doctoral degree in 2016.
Beyond teaching and research, Isti was also involved with the international accreditation team for the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), one of the most prestigious standards in global business education. Through this experience, she developed a broader perspective on education. For her, academic programs must always align with the institution’s mission and strategic direction. This purpose-driven mindset continues to guide her leadership, particularly in designing programs that remain relevant, impactful, and aligned with SBM ITB’s long-term vision.
Since assuming the role of Head of the MBA Program at ITB Jakarta in 2025, Isti has focused on enhancing the holistic student learning experience. For her, academic excellence is not just about curriculum design or classroom delivery, but also about ensuring students feel supported throughout their studies. One of her priorities is creating a learning environment where students truly enjoy the learning process, while simultaneously gaining meaningful intellectual growth and practical value.
She also recognizes that postgraduate education often presents significant challenges. Some students struggle to complete their studies on time. Rather than viewing this as merely an administrative issue, she sees it as an opportunity to build a stronger academic support system and to encourage students struggling to complete their studies.
While her background in science continues to influence how she approaches challenges, particularly in connecting individual initiatives to the institution’s larger goals. She is known for her pragmatic, entrepreneurial, and solution-oriented mindset. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical discussions. She seeks practical ways to improve the learning environment, support students, identify new opportunities, and ensure each initiative delivers tangible value.
Isti embraces an adaptive leadership style, valuing clear goals and measurable outcomes, while remaining sensitive to the challenges, motivations, and aspirations of her students and colleagues. For her, leadership is about supporting people in the educational environment, encouraging innovation and sustainable growth, and ensuring that every effort contributes to a meaningful learning experience for MBA students at the ITB Jakarta Campus.
