Leading ASTTA's Innovation in Unmanned Technology

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 17:25 | Drone | Editorial INTI

Jakarta, INTI – The Association of Unmanned Systems & Technology, commonly known as ASTTA, is an organization dedicated to supporting various forms of unmanned systems and technologies (UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), which are experiencing rapid development.

While unmanned technology is generally recognized by the public as drones, ASTTA clarifies drones with a broader scope, including technologies operating in air, sea, and land.

As such, the association not only focuses on drones, but also accommodates all forms of technology that operate without the direct involvement of human personnel onboard.

Established in 2018, ASTTA aims to serve as a platform for industry players, developers, professionals, and communities engaged in the development of unmanned systems and technologies.

Through various activities, ASTTA seeks to foster collaboration among its members and drive innovations that contribute to the advancement of this technological sector.

The organization plays a critical role in uniting the industry’s stakeholders to collectively address challenges in developing increasingly sophisticated and beneficial unmanned technologies for various sectors such as agriculture, logistics, mapping, and security.

In addition, ASTTA strives to advocate for the establishment of appropriate regulations and enhance the competitiveness of the local industry in the global market.

The existence of ASTTA is expected to accelerate the development and adoption of unmanned technologies in Indonesia, while supporting the creation of a more advanced and sustainable ecosystem within the technology industry.

Asha Widya Saelan: The Figure Behind ASTTA’s Success:

Asha Wadya Saerlan, Vice Chairmain of International Affairs at ASTTA, has made a very significant contribution to the development of the unmanned technology sector in Indonesia.

With a strong vision and immense dedication, Asha has been a key person behind the establishment and growth of ASTTA as a leading association supporting innovaton in UAV.

Before contributing to the advancement of unmanned technology in Indonesia, Asha Wadya Saelan built his career as a software engineer and ventured into robotics. Armed with his extensive experience and expertise in these fields, he transitioned into the world of unmanned systems technology.

“My background is actually in software engineering, which I’ve been in for over a decade. I also had experience in robotics before finally diving into the field of unmanned technology,” He explained on an interview held by INTI Media Team on January 22, 2025.

What are the Responsibilities of ASTTA?

ASTTA has a broad and strategic role in promoting the advancement of unmanned technology in Indonesia.

According to its official website, ASTTA serves as a platform for practitioners, industry players, developers, researchers, and service providers engaged in unmanned systems and technology.

The association covers various sectors of unmanned technology operating in air, land, water surface, and underwater, highlighting its comprehensive role in supporting innovation across disciplines.

In addition to focusing on technology development, ASTTA also aims to facilitate research, promote local production, and develop an ecosystem that enables the widespread adoption of unmanned technology.

By providing a collaborative space for various parties, ASTTA is committed to buildng an ecosystem that supports industry progress while maximizing the use of this technology in key sectors such as agriculture, defence, logistics, and marine exploration.

Furthermore, ASTTA plays a crucial role as a liaison between ministries and cross-departmental efforts to draft and harmonize regulations related to unmanned technology.

"We collaborate with the Ministry of Industry on drone manufacturing, the Ministry of Communication and Information on frequency management, and the Ministry of Transportation on operational matters. Additionally, for security, we work closely with the Police and the Indonesian Military,” said Mr. Asha.

"ASTTA has been the one reaching out to these ministries regarding regulations to ensure alignment," Mr. Asha continued.

ASTTA also has the important task of introducing unmanned technology to the public, industries, research bodies, and educational institutions. However, ASTTA's journey has not always been smooth, as unmanned technology is still relatively new and not widely recognized. Therefore, ASTTA must work harder to ensure that this technology is understood, accepted, and utilized more broadly by society.

"ASTTA has been proactively engaging with these ministries to address regulatory matters and ensure alignment,” Mr. Asha stated.

Who are the Members of ASTTA?

The members of ASTTA consist of various entities and organizations that are related to unmanned technology, as well as parties who are seen as needing to utilize this technology. Some of the types of organizations that are part of ASTTA include:

Companies that act as manufacturers, distributors/resellers, service providers, or users of unmanned aerial vehicle systems.
Research institutions and universities that are actively conducting research related to unmanned aerial vehicle systems.
Communities and the general public that are involved in activities related to unmanned aerial vehicle systems.

In conclusion, ASTTA plays a vital role in advancing unmanned technology in Indonesia. Through close collaboration with various sectors, ASTTA is committed to creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and supports the widespread adoption of this technology. Its presence aims to accelerate the use of unmanned systems across key sectors, enhancing industry competitiveness on the global stage. As ASTTA’s role continues to grow, it will work to ensure that unmanned technology is widely accepted and applied, driving sustainable positive change in sectors from agriculture to defense.