Building the Ecosystem for Smart Manufacturing in Indonesia

Jakarta, INTI - On August 12, 2024, during a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) themed "Building the Ecosystem for Smart Manufacturing, Automation, and Robotics in the 4.0 Transformation in Indonesia" held at JI EXPO, Malik Khidir, Chairman of the Indonesian Industrial Robot Association (ASRII), emphasized the importance of technological advancements in the industrial sector. According to Malik, the implementation of smart manufacturing and automation technology in Indonesia is not just an option but a necessity to ensure the competitiveness of the national industry amid the pressures of the Industry 4.0 era.

Malik Khidir stressed that Indonesia has great potential in developing smart manufacturing and robotics, but it still faces several challenges, such as the low adoption of technology among small and medium enterprises and the limited availability of human resources with competencies in this field. "We must encourage collaboration between the government, academia, and industry players to create an ecosystem that supports the development of this technology," Malik asserted.

In his presentation, Malik also explained that ASRII has designed several programs to promote the development of this technology in various industrial sectors, from automotive, food and beverage (F&B), to pharmaceutical and chemical industries. These programs include the development of smart machines and robotic automation tailored to local needs. "We focus on developing technology that can be applied in domestic industries so they can be more efficient and productive," he added.

Additionally, ASRII is committed to enhancing human resource capabilities through academy and certification programs, both with national and international standards. Malik mentioned that one of the steps taken is collaborating with training institutions both domestically and abroad to provide quality training programs. "We want to ensure that Indonesian workers are ready to face this technological transformation," he said.

Malik Khidir also revealed ASRII's plans to establish partnerships with various countries that excel in robotics, such as South Korea and Germany. "Benchmarking technology is important so that we can learn from countries that have successfully implemented smart manufacturing," Malik explained.

During the discussion, participants agreed that to achieve success in the Industry 4.0 transformation, Indonesia needs to strengthen regulatory frameworks, develop adequate technology infrastructure, and increase awareness of the importance of innovation among industry players. "This is not just the government's responsibility but also that of all stakeholders," Malik concluded his presentation.