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Wed, 08 Jan 2025 06:46 | Digital Transformation | Editorial INTI
This article is based on an exclusive interview with Dr. Adhiguna Mahendra, M.Sc, M.Eng, a prominent Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert in Indonesia. Dr. Mahendra is a faculty member at Swiss German University and the Lead Instructor at AI SmartX Academy. This is the fourth article in a planned six-part series exploring Indonesia’s national strategy for creating a technologically advanced and progressive nation. In this interview, Dr. Mahendra delves into the transformative role of Internet of Things (IoT) and Digital Twin technology in shaping smart cities and building efficient, future-ready infrastructure.
Jakarta, INTI - The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies in advancing smart city concepts. IoT connects devices, enabling them to share data in real-time, which creates a more responsive and efficient urban environment.
“IoT is the backbone of smart cities. With IoT, we can monitor various aspects of urban life, from traffic conditions and energy consumption to air quality. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about making cities more livable,” explained Dr. Mahendra.
In major urban centers like Jakarta, IoT could play a pivotal role in optimizing traffic management. Sensors installed on roads can provide real-time data on traffic conditions, which can then be used to dynamically adjust traffic signals. Studies from countries that have implemented similar systems show reductions in congestion by up to 25%.
Beyond traffic, IoT also has vast applications in waste and energy management. For instance, sensors can monitor energy usage in public facilities, helping identify areas where energy is wasted. This not only saves costs but also significantly reduces the city’s carbon footprint.
Dr. Mahendra highlighted how IoT could also enhance public safety. Smart sensors can detect environmental hazards, such as flooding or poor air quality, and send immediate alerts to both authorities and residents, ensuring timely action.
Digital Twin: Creating Digital Replicas for Infrastructure Optimization
Digital Twin technology allows for the creation of digital replicas of physical systems, such as buildings, bridges, or entire cities. These digital counterparts are used to analyze, monitor, and optimize the performance of their physical counterparts, often before any real-world implementation takes place.
“Digital Twin is a revolutionary tool for planning and managing infrastructure. It allows us to model different scenarios and identify potential issues before they occur. This saves time, costs, and resources,” Dr. Mahendra explained.
In Indonesia, Digital Twin technology has been applied to the development of the new capital city, Nusantara. Using Digital Twin, planners have been able to design transportation infrastructure with greater precision, ensuring that it is efficient and sustainable. Simulations conducted through Digital Twin have also allowed the government to anticipate risks such as traffic congestion or disruptions in energy supply.
Dr. Mahendra pointed out that the application of Digital Twin extends beyond urban planning. In the manufacturing sector, Digital Twin can help companies manage production facilities. By modeling production processes digitally, manufacturers can identify inefficiencies and optimize operations without risking costly mistakes in the real world.
Integrating IoT and Digital Twin: The Future of Smart Cities
The combination of IoT and Digital Twin offers unparalleled potential in shaping the cities of tomorrow. IoT provides real-time data, while Digital Twin uses this data to run simulations and generate actionable insights.
“When IoT and Digital Twin work together, we get a holistic solution. IoT captures real-world data, and Digital Twin provides a virtual environment to test and optimize solutions. This combination is a powerful tool for creating truly smart cities,” said Dr. Mahendra.
In traffic management, for example, IoT sensors can collect data on vehicle flow and congestion patterns. This data is then fed into a Digital Twin model of the city’s traffic system, allowing planners to simulate various traffic scenarios and implement the most effective solutions.
Similarly, in energy management, IoT sensors can track real-time energy consumption in public buildings, while Digital Twin models can simulate different energy-saving strategies. This integration not only improves efficiency but also contributes to the sustainability goals of reducing carbon emissions.
Ethics and Governance: Ensuring Sustainability and Cultural Integrity
Despite the opportunities offered by IoT and Digital Twin technologies, Dr. Mahendra emphasized the need for responsible implementation.
“These technologies are incredibly powerful, but without proper governance, they can lead to ethical and social issues. For instance, the data collected by IoT must be used responsibly to avoid violating people’s privacy,” he cautioned.
Dr. Mahendra also stressed the importance of aligning technological advancements with Indonesia’s cultural and spiritual values. “Research and implementation of IoT and Digital Twin must reflect the values of our nation. Technology should be a tool for strengthening, not eroding, our identity as a people,” he said.
He called for clear regulations to guide the deployment of these technologies. For instance, data governance frameworks should ensure that IoT and Digital Twin systems are used to enhance public welfare without compromising ethical standards or national sovereignty.
Real-Time Data and Progress in Adoption
The global adoption of IoT and Digital Twin technologies has already shown significant results. In Singapore, IoT is used to monitor air quality and water conditions in real-time, while Digital Twin models are employed for urban planning. As a result, the city-state has reduced its energy consumption by 20% over the past decade.
In Indonesia, these technologies are beginning to gain traction. The construction of Nusantara has been a flagship project for implementing IoT and Digital Twin. According to the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (KemenPUPR), these technologies have accelerated the planning process by 30% and reduced design errors significantly.
However, challenges remain, particularly in extending these benefits to rural and underdeveloped areas. “To ensure that everyone benefits from these technologies, we must invest in strengthening digital connectivity in 3T (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost) regions,” Dr. Mahendra emphasized.
Building a Smart and Sustainable Future
IoT and Digital Twin technologies are critical components for building smart cities and future-ready infrastructure. By leveraging real-time data and digital simulations, governments and businesses can develop more innovative, sustainable, and efficient solutions.
However, as Dr. Mahendra pointed out, the success of these technologies depends on robust governance and ethical implementation. “Technology is a tool, not an end goal. We must ensure that IoT and Digital Twin are used to create cities that are not only smart but also humane and culturally grounded,” he concluded.
As Indonesia continues to embrace digital transformation, the integration of IoT and Digital Twin presents an unprecedented opportunity to redefine urban living and infrastructure management, setting a benchmark for sustainability and innovation.
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