Jakarta, Indo Machinery - Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) has emphasized the need to strengthen the country’s machinery industry through greater technological capabilities, advanced engineering and design expertise, human resource development, and the establishment of an integrated manufacturing ecosystem.
Solehan, Director of Machinery and Agricultural Machinery Industries (IPAMP) at Kemenperin’s Directorate General of Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment and Electronics Industries (ILMATE), said the rapid pace of technological development is pushing Indonesia’s manufacturing sector to continuously improve its competitiveness in an increasingly complex global market.
He made the statement during his remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the Indo Machinery Investment & Trade Show 2026, held at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
The Indo Machinery Investment & Trade Show 2026 covers 5,000 square meters and features 77 exhibitors, including 75 domestic manufacturers. The exhibition has attracted more than 8,000 visitors from five countries.
As part of the event, the Indo Machinery Stage is hosting a Strategic Forum Discussion Series covering topics such as Machinery and Equipment Industries; Agricultural Machinery and Food Security; Food Processing and Manufacturing Equipment Innovation; Heavy Equipment for Infrastructure and Mining; Energy Systems, Electrification and Smart Manufacturing; and Industrial Excellence.
Strengthening National Industrial Capacity
In his remarks, Solehan stressed that increasing production capacity must go hand in hand with strengthening technological capabilities. This approach is essential to reduce Indonesia’s dependence on imported machinery, components, and technology.
“Dependence on machinery, components, and technology from overseas remains a challenge, particularly when it is not accompanied by stronger domestic industrial capabilities,” Solehan said.
He noted that Indonesia’s growing investment projects and business opportunities should be leveraged to strengthen domestic industrial capacity. According to Solehan, investment will generate greater economic benefits when local industries have the capabilities to participate in the production value chain.
Without stronger domestic capabilities, he warned, Indonesia risks remaining dependent on imported products despite the growing number of national development projects.
Kemenperin Urges Greater Industry Collaboration
Kemenperin is encouraging closer collaboration among government institutions, businesses, industry associations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to develop a stronger and more integrated machinery industry ecosystem.
Solehan said this can be achieved through the adoption of emerging technologies, improvements in engineering and design capabilities, talent development, product quality and standardization, as well as stronger linkages with downstream industries.
Technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, robotics, and smart manufacturing are considered important tools for improving Indonesia’s manufacturing capabilities and competitiveness.
Alongside technological development, Kemenperin is also promoting the development of an innovation-based integrated manufacturing facility in Purwakarta. The facility is expected to serve as a collaborative platform where industry players can access equipment, components, expertise, and product development facilities.
“The goal is to provide services and facilities that can support industry throughout the process, from design and engineering to the development of prototypes,” Solehan explained.
He said the facility could eventually evolve into an innovation hub connecting industrial needs with Indonesia’s technological and manufacturing capabilities. In the long term, the ecosystem is expected to contribute to the development of stronger supply chains and integrated industrial areas.
Leveraging Technology and Developing Industrial Talent
Solehan also highlighted the importance of robotics, smart manufacturing, factory operations management, talent development, and agricultural machinery in improving national industrial productivity and competitiveness.
Digital technologies and software, he added, will also play an increasingly important role in the future of manufacturing. Indonesia’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, including its ability to manufacture products such as ventilators, demonstrated the importance of building stronger domestic technological and manufacturing capabilities.
“Both hardware and software capabilities must continue to be developed domestically. For certain hardware components, such as sensors, we may not yet have full capabilities. However, for software and platforms, we need to make every effort to develop them locally,” he said.
Indo Machinery as a Gateway to Emerging Technologies
Solehan expressed his hope that the Indo Machinery Investment & Trade Show 2026 would go beyond serving as a showcase for products and technologies. He said the event should also become a platform connecting industrial demand with investment opportunities, technological solutions, and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Taking place from August 11–13, 2026, the exhibition is expected to showcase the latest developments in metalworking, CNC machine tools, industrial robotics, and smart manufacturing, while creating opportunities for more concrete business and industrial partnerships.
“The exhibition should not stop at showcasing products. If possible, it should lead to deeper cooperation through formal agreements,” Solehan said.
He further encouraged Indonesia’s machinery industry to look beyond meeting domestic demand and build the capacity needed to participate in global supply chains.
According to Solehan, events such as the Indo Machinery Investment & Trade Show 2026 can serve as an important platform for strengthening the branding of Indonesia’s machinery industry and increasing its international exposure, while creating new opportunities for technology partnerships, investment, and industrial collaboration.