The cooperation is related to the implementation of education, research, and development of science and technology activities that aid in national defense. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by ITB Rector Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D., and Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto.

The Minister of Defense stated that ITB plays an important role in the manufacture of defense technology. Therefore, he aspires that the research at ITB will be able to meet the needs of national defense. The Minister of Defense also stated that in today's world, whoever excels in science and technology will have a superior defense.

Defense is a critical issue for a country, according to Prabowo. "It is critical because defense concerns a nation's safety," he said. Due to the importance of technological capabilities in defense, he visited campus Centers of Excellence in Indonesia, including ITB.

Meanwhile, in her speech, ITB Rector Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D. stated that ITB has carried out many development activities in the defense industry, specifically through the KFX/IFX consortium, MALE, HALE, Rada Ground Control Intercept, Maritime, and Cyber Consortium with a focus on Network Centric Warface, networked research, and passive radar tools. Furthermore, ITB has a science technopark with nine research centers, one of which is the Center for Defense and Security Technology.

During the event, research products in the defense sector, such as High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, PSR Radar GCI Antennas, aircraft flight simulators, and so on, were also showcased.

The delegation from the Ministry of Defense included the Ministry of Defense's Head of Research and Development, Marsda TNI Julexi Tambayong, and the Vice Rector of Academic Affairs of Unhan RI, Major General Jonni Mahroza, Marsma TNI Bambang Ismiyadi, FMIPA Dean of Unhan RI, Main Advisor for Youth IV/c Ence Darmo, Minister of Defense Decree on Renhan, Meireza Endipat Wijaya, and the Minister of Defense Decree on Technology, Sabam Rajagukguk.

Meanwhile, the ITB delegates included the Dean of FTMD, Prof. Tatacipta Dirgantara, Researcher in Defense Technology Dr. Joko Suryana, Head of the Center for Defense and Security Technology Djarot Widagdo, Ph.D., Head of the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Dr. Joko Sarwono, and Defense Technology Researcher Prof. Suhono Harso Supangkat, and lastly the Institute's Secretary, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Widjaja Martokusumo.

Reporter: Adi Permana
Translator: Naffisa Adyan Fekranie (Oceanography, 2019)