Jakarta, INTI - The government launched the Merah Putih Chip Design Sandbox to build the foundation for Indonesia's technological independence. This marks the beginning of the development of Indonesia's semiconductor ecosystem.
The launch was conduscted at the Moneyprinting Public Corporation of the Republic of Indonesia (Peruri) on Monday, July 27, 2026. The launch was attended by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto.
Brian stated that this initiative must be followed by a validation process, pilot projects, and mass production to produce products ready for widespread use. The Ministry also has trained around 1,500 graduates to introduce and encourage them to pursue careers in chip design, strengthening the national semiconductor talent pool.
These efforts are done to support the government’s targets to produce chips for various strategic national needs, such as e-passport, e-KTP, and e-SIM, as part of efforts to strengthen technological sovereignty.
Collaboration Between Indonesian Institutions
The Merah Putih Chip Design Sandbox is the result of a collaboration between universities, the government, industry, and state-owned enterprises in building Indonesia's semiconductor ecosystem.
Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), in collaboration with Peruri, through PT LAPI ITB has developed a prototype chip for a national electronic passport. It arrived in Indonesia mid-July and is now undergoing the final stages of reliability testing in the laboratory.
Furthermore, the development of the national semiconductor research and talent ecosystem also involves Telkom University, Politeknik Negeri Batam, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Diponegoro, and Universitas Brawijaya.
Brian believes the involvement of universities demonstrates the important role of academia in supporting the development of strategic technology through strengthening research, innovation, and collaboration with the government, industry, and state-owned enterprises.
"Semiconductors are now more than just electronic components, but are the foundation of a nation's economic competitiveness, defense, and even technological sovereignty," Brian said.
Meanwhile, Peruri President Director, Teguh Arief Indratmoko, explained that the Merah Putih Chip Design Sandbox facility was designed as a center for collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
"The Sandbox facility is designed as a collaborative hub for academia, industry, and government. Supported by modern digital infrastructure, this facility enables the design, simulation, and validation processes for national chip designs to be carried out much more quickly and in an integrated manner," said Teguh.
Support from Multisectors and Stakeholders is Needed
Danantara Chief Technology Officer, Sigit Puji Santosa, stated that the development of the national semiconductor industry ecosystem is focused on three main aspects: chip design, foundry, and packaging. He stated that in addition to technological development, the semiconductor industry also requires investment support, regulations, and market certainty for sustainable growth.
On the same occasion, Deputy Minister of Industry Faisol Riza stated that the Ministry of Industry continues to prepare a roadmap, business climate policies, and strengthen the national semiconductor industry ecosystem. These efforts are aimed at supporting the development of the electronics, telematics, automotive, AI data center industries, and the defense industry.
Conclusion
The launch of the Merah Putih Chip Design Sandbox marks the beginning of the design, simulation, and validation development of national chips for Indonesia's semiconductor ecosystem. The facility, developed through a collaboration between universities, government, industry, and state-owned enterprises, is also targeted to support the development of various strategic national needs.
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