The seminar, held both hybrid at the East Campus Center Auditorium and via Zoom Meeting, was opened by Prof. Brian Yuliarto, Dean of FIT ITB. He emphasized the importance of anticipating future technologies like quantum computing. He hoped that both the panelists and participants could explore the topic further.

Following that, Prof. Amarulla provided an overview of government policies on quantum computing technology. It is projected that quantum technology will reach USD 106 billion by 2040. The three leading countries in quantum adoption today are China (43%), the Netherlands (42%), and the United States (22%). Regarding published quantum research, the US dominates with 26%, followed by China (23%). The mentioned research and technology adoptions focus on three areas: Quantum Computing, Quantum Telecommunication and Security, and Quantum Sensing.

Prof. Amarulla also compared the policies of various countries regarding quantum technology. In the US, it began with an Act published in 2018 called the US National Quantum Initiative, which formed the basis for a budget of USD 1.2 billion to support research collaborations by four institutions.

In Australia, there are at least three centers of excellence for quantum: the Centre of Excellence for Future Low Energy Electronics (established by Monash University), the Centre of Excellence for Exciton Science (by the University of Melbourne), and the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology.

China has been conducting quantum research since the late 1990s. Prof. Amarulla shared insights that various Chinese military infrastructures in the South China Sea have already applied quantum technology. The Chinese government has announced that by 2030, they aim to solidify national quantum communication infrastructure, develop quantum computer prototypes, and build a quantum simulator facility.

In 2023, the Indian government drafted a five-year projection called the National Mission on Quantum Technologies, with a budget of USD 1 billion.

Prof. Amarulla stated that Indonesia needs quantum security technology to protect its cyber infrastructure and critical national assets. BRIN is currently preparing a High-Performance Computer (HPC) network as part of quantum technology.

In general, it is predicted that quantum technology will significantly impact industries such as automotive, aerospace, chemicals, and financial services. Specifically, Quantum Sensing is a technology we will greatly need, especially for exploring land and sea resources.

Prof. Amarulla concluded that many countries worldwide are participating in the "race" to conduct quantum research and adopt quantum technologies for their interests. "Indonesia must not lag in this field. We must avoid being mere traders and users when other countries hold patents and reap the commercial benefits of this technology," he stated.

In the second session, Prof. Hermawan Kresno Dipojono presented his ideas on “The Shake Hand between Quantum Computing and Machine Learning.”

He highlighted that we still need more advanced computers than the current digital/classical ones. This is because many problems cannot yet be solved with classical computers, whether in terms of hardware or algorithms. Classical computers can solve these problems, but they would require decades of computation. This is where quantum computers can provide faster results, benefiting human civilization.

Prof. Hermawan encouraged us to start using quantum computing so that awareness about quantum technology can grow around us, especially among decision-makers. He reminded us of the history of the semiconductor industry, in which Indonesia was late in taking on the role of developer and producer. Even if we fail to become producers, we can at least become excellent users, not just regular users but significant ones in the eyes of quantum technology developers.

In the third session, Dr. Agung Budiyono began his presentation by introducing the different concepts of quantum resources (entanglement, superposition, tunneling) and the technologies developed from these resources.

If we categorize them into two eras, in Quantum Technology 1.0, quantum physics led to the discovery of transistors, lasers, and various generations of technology that gave birth to computers, smartphones, and other devices. The schemes/protocols of that generation's technology still use everyday logic. They do not yet utilize the resources of superposition, entanglement, and tunneling.

Meanwhile, in Quantum Technology 2.0, the phenomena of superposition, entanglement, and their measurements cannot be explained with everyday logic or intuition.

Dr. Agung demonstrated that we could utilize these quantum phenomena to design technologies that are more "superior" to conventional digital technologies. This would allow us to create superior simulations that cannot be achieved with existing digital/classical technologies.

Reporter: M. Naufal Hafizh
Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Management, 2024)