Building a Self-Sufficient Indonesia with AI and Industry: Insights from SEEI ITB National Seminar
By Syabina Er Said - Mahasiswa Teknik Dirgantara, 2020
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – In commemoration of the 19th anniversary of the School of Electrical Engineering and Information (SEEI) at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), a national seminar under the theme “AI and Industry for National Independene and Advancement” was held on Friday (February 21, 2025) at the West Hall of ITB’s Ganesha Campus. This seminar serves as a platform for academics, industry practitioners, and professionals to jointly discuss the critical role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing Indonesia’s development and self-reliance.
The seminar opened with a keynote speech by Dr. Ir. Ismail, M.T., the Secretary General of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. He emphasized how important the implementation of AI is to foster national independence. While acknowledging that AI development in Indonesia is still in its early stages, he highlighted that the vast potential of this technology is very important to be explored further.
According to him, AI should be utilized not only to support the economic sector but also to accelerate development in agriculture, education, and other vital sectors.
“AI will permeate our lives, not to replace knowledge workers but to serve as a tool to help us become more productive and outcome-oriented,” he said.
He also emphasized that Indonesia must not remain merely a consumer of AI technology, but should strive to become a developer and leader of this technology.
The seminar was continued with two panel discussions:
Panel discussion 1: “Industrial Development for National Independence: Defense, Health Technology, Semiconductor Technology, and Energy Industries”
The first session was moderated by Prof. Trio Adiono, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., and key speakers including: Kuncoro Budhi Wisnu (Senior Vice President, Transformation Management Office PT. Telkom Indonesia), Djonny C. Sabadjan (President Director, PT. Menara Inti Kreasi Indonesia), Soleh Udin Al Ayubi (Vice President Director, PT. Bio Farma), dan Suroso Ismandar, M.T. (Director of Risk Management, PT. PLN).
These experts discussed a range of topics regarding the development of strategic industries, with a main focus on the importance of technology in critical sectors to achieve self-sufficiency and global competitiveness.
Panel Discussion 2: “Artificial Intelligence for National Independence and Advancement”
The second session was led by Prof. Dr. Bambang Riyanto Trilaksono, who delved into the transformative potential of AI for Indonesia’s advancement. This discussion was filled with experts who shared their insights on the utilization of AI to support Indonesia’s economic and social development, including Prof. Dr. Ahmad M. Ramli, S.H., M.H., FCBArb. (Professor of Law, Padjadjaran University), Haris Munandar, S.T., S.E., M.F.M., M.Phil., Ph.D. (Senior Director and Head of International Policy Group, Bank Indonesia), Meidy Fitranto (Co-Founder & CEO, Nodeflux), dan Oki Suryowahono (Acting Head, Center for Strategic Policy, Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs).
This seminar not only deepens understanding of AI and industry development, but also acts as a strategic step to enhance collaboration between government bodies, academia, and industry players in developing technology that can encourage Indonesia to become a leader in global innovation. This seminar underscored SEEI ITB’s commitment to creating a more self-reliant, advanced, and competitive future for Indonesia.
Hopefully, this national seminar will spark new awareness of how AI and industry can collaborate to achieve national independence and progress.
Reporter: Syabina Er Said (Aerospace Engineering, 2020)
Translator: Senandung Shauma Bidadari (Management, 2026)
