Jakarta, INTI – In a strategic effort to enhance national defense through technology, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of the Republic of Indonesia held the Strategic Industry Business Forum Based on Research and Innovation at the B.J. Habibie Science and Technology Area (KST), Serpong, South Tangerang. The event, themed “Towards Indonesia 2045: Advancing Strategic Defence Technology by Research and Innovation,” brought together stakeholders from key sectors including national strategic industries, academia, government institutions, and international partners.
Advancing Defense Technology Towards Golden Indonesia 2045
Deputy Minister of Defense, Air Marshal (Ret.) Donny Ermawan Taufanto, emphasized the critical role of innovation in building a resilient and competitive defense system. According to him, defense capabilities not only ensure national security but also act as a symbol of strength and a driver of economic growth.
“Strategic industries serve a dual purpose—strengthening national defense while boosting economic development,” he said.
A Collaborative Bridge Across Sectors and Nations
BRIN Chairman Dr. Laksana Tri Handoko stated that the forum serves as a bridge between domestic stakeholders and international allies, including ambassadors and defense attachés from partner countries. Cross-border research and innovation collaboration is vital to reinforce sovereignty and address global geopolitical challenges.
A 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Defense and BRIN under then-Minister Prabowo Subianto has solidified this partnership framework.
Building an Innovation Ecosystem for Sustainable Defense
Joannes Ekaprasetya Tandjung, Director of Research and Innovation Infrastructure Partnerships at BRIN, explained that the event goes beyond being a networking platform. It offers a concrete opportunity to establish technological partnerships between research institutions, industry, and government.
A business matchmaking session allowed participants to explore collaborative opportunities, technology transfer, and joint project development within the strategic defense sector.
Support from Parliament and National Industry Players
Vice Chair of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Dr. Dave AF Laksono, urged BRIN to actively expand international partnerships to accelerate technological advancements in strategic defense.
Meanwhile, PT Sentra Surya Ekajaya (SSE) showcased its locally produced military vehicles, demonstrating the capability and readiness of Indonesia’s defense industry. Their featured products included the P6 All Terrain Assault Vehicle (ATAV) and P2 KM Recon, which were displayed in front of the Graha Widya Bhakti building.
Defense Diplomacy Through Multidisciplinary Dialogue
The panel discussion, titled “Towards Indonesia 2045: Advancing Strategic Industries Based on Research and Innovation,” featured a diverse range of speakers including:
- Dr. Yayan Ganda Hayat Mulyana – Head of Foreign Policy Strategy Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- H.E. Wang Lutong – Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China
- H.E. Sergei Nicolaevich – Ambassador of the Russian Federation
- Prof. Dr. Hikmahanto Juwana – Law Professor, University of Indonesia
- Dr. Budi Prawara – Head of Research Organization, BRIN
- Yusuf – Representative of PT Sentra Surya Ekajaya
- Col. Shiv Kumar – Defense Attaché, India
This dialogue emphasized the importance of collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches in building a modern and adaptive defense capability.
Conclusion: Innovation as the Foundation of Sovereign Defense
The Strategic Industry Business Forum Based on Research and Innovation marks a significant step toward integrating research, industry, and policy for national defense advancement. Through cross-sector and international collaboration, BRIN and the Ministry of Defense reaffirm their strong commitment to making innovation the cornerstone of Indonesia’s sovereignty, resilience, and competitiveness on the global stage by 2045.