Jakarta, INTI – Global demand for semiconductor chip technology has surged sharply in recent years. This situation presents a significant opportunity for countries that can build self-reliance in this sector. Indonesia is taking this opportunity seriously. Through collaboration between academia, the government, and industry, concrete efforts are underway to strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain starting with chip design as a strategic first step.
Chip Design as a Realistic and Measurable Entry Point
Considering the complexity of the semiconductor supply chain from raw materials, chip design, and manufacturing to component assembly, Indonesia has chosen to focus initially on the most feasible phase: chip design. This decision is seen as the most realistic entry point, as it requires lower investment costs compared to the capital- and technology-intensive chip manufacturing process.
As a testament to this commitment, the Indonesia Chip Design Collaborative Center (ICDeC) was established. This nonprofit organization drives the development of national chip design and consists of a consortium involving 16 leading universities, including ITB, Universitas Indonesia, UGM, ITS, and Universitas Prasetiya Mulya. The collaboration is led by Prof. Trio Adiono from ITB, in partnership with industry players such as Polytron.
Government Support and Access to Global Partnerships
This initiative has gained full support from several ministries, including the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. One key strategic move is the pursuit of international cooperation, as demonstrated by ICDeC’s delegation visit to Europe in May 2025.
During this visit, ICDeC engaged in intensive discussions with two global semiconductor industry leaders: IMEC in Belgium, one of the world's foremost nanoelectronics research institutions, and ASML in the Netherlands as the world’s leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer. The goal of these partnerships is to facilitate technology transfer and accelerate the development of Indonesia’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Strengthening Human Resources Through Education and Academic Collaboration
In addition to technology cooperation, human resource development is also a top priority. Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, through its Artificial Intelligent Robotics (AIR) study program under the Faculty of STEM, has prepared a curriculum based on semiconductor technology. This curriculum emphasizes not only theoretical knowledge but also practical application and cross-campus collaboration, both domestically and internationally.
Students are encouraged to collaborate with partner universities such as ITB, UI, UGM, and ITS, and to gain international experience in countries with strong semiconductor sectors like Taiwan, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Conclusion: Indonesia Advancing Toward Semiconductor Technology Independence
Indonesia’s strategic move to focus on chip design and foster global partnerships reflects a strong commitment to building a national semiconductor ecosystem. Through synergy among academia, industry, and government, supported by international institutions, Indonesia is taking a significant step toward achieving technological independence in the near future.
Conclusion:
Indonesia’s decision to focus on semiconductor chip design is a strategic step toward achieving national technological independence. Through academic consortia, government support, and partnerships with global industry leaders, Indonesia is not only strengthening its position in the global semiconductor supply chain but also preparing a highly skilled talent pool to meet future technological challenges.
Read More:Siemens Drives Indonesia's Green Industry Through Digital Technology and AI