For Dr. rer. pol. Eko Agus Prasetio, S.T., MBA, SBM ITB, is more than just an educational institution. It is a place he calls home. After years of moving from city to city, Eko has finally found his anchor in the academic world. Behind his current role as Vice Dean of Academic Affairs lies the story of a boy who grew up without a hometown, shaped by constant relocations and cultural diversity.
A Journey Through Cities, Shaped by Culture
Born in Jakarta and raised across Madura, Bondowoso, and Mataram, Eko spent much of his childhood following his parents’ work assignments. Eko spent his childhood moving across cities in Java before eventually settling in Bandung to pursue his studies at Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). Unlike many who grow up with strong roots in a single place, Eko never had a fixed “hometown.” Instead, he gained resilience, adaptability, and an open mind, traits that have become his strengths throughout life.
“I don’t have a hometown I can proudly say I come from. But because of that, I got used to entering new environments, meeting new people, and adapting to different situations,” he
Stepping Into ITB and Discovering Life’s Direction
Since middle school, Eko had aspired to study at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). At the time, only five students from his high school in Mataram were admitted to ITB, which was already considered a record. In 1991, he achieved that dream by enrolling in the Physics Engineering program. Although he initially felt like an outsider among peers from major cities such as Jakarta and Bandung, he persevered.
After graduating, Eko joined a Japanese company, which took him to Japan for several years. A decade into his career, his curiosity led him back to academia. He pursued a master’s degree in the Netherlands and later earned a doctorate in Germany.
“I never truly mapped out the direction of my life, because it’s unpredictable. Sometimes, the things we hope for don’t happen. But somehow, the path forms along the way. What matters most is to walk it with sincerity,” he reflected.
Discovering His Passion at SBM
Eko eventually joined SBM ITB, where he discovered a deep passion for academia.
“I only truly found my passion after turning 40. I feel like I’ve finally awakened, and I’m grateful for the life I have now,” he shared.
With a foundation in engineering and extensive global experience, Eko chose to focus on technology management, where business and innovation intersect. He later led the Management of Technology (MoT) Laboratory, believing that technology is a critical driver of civilization. For him, business education must not only keep up with technological advances but also address the risks they bring.
He hopes SBM ITB will continue to develop this mindset and produce graduates ready to lead in a technology-driven world.
Driving Quality and Collaboration in Education
As Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Eko is committed to maintaining the academic excellence of SBM ITB. His vision is to shape graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also open-minded, courageous, and collaborative.
In an era of rapid change, Eko advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration. He supports initiatives such as major-minor programs, shared courses, and joint programs with other faculties at ITB. For him, these are essential steps in building a dynamic and contextual business school for the future.
Living by Values: Perseverance and Purpose
If one word could define Eko’s journey, it would be perseverance. He believes that grit and resilience are essential for overcoming life’s challenges and finding one’s true calling. Even in roles that did not align with his passion, Eko gave his best until life led him to SBM.
He also values the courage to take risks.
“I once left a comfortable job, stepped out of my comfort zone to pursue my master’s degree without any guarantees. But I believed that if I gave it my all, the way would open up,” he said.
“Life isn’t always linear. But as long as we keep doing our best, the path will always be there.”