Jakarta, INTI - Rector of the University of Jember (Unej), Iwan Taruna, said the 2026 Indonesian ABU Robot Contest (KRAI) serves as a strategic platform for nurturing Indonesia’s next generation of robotics innovators while strengthening the nation’s technological capabilities amid the rapid pace of digital transformation.
KRAI 2026 was held at the University of Jember from 9–12 July 2026 under the theme “Kung Fu Quest,” bringing together 28 university teams from across Indonesia.
Participants competed for the opportunity to represent Indonesia at the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026 in Hong Kong, while demonstrating the values of healthy competition, technological innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Robotics Seen as Key to Indonesia’s Future
Iwan Taruna expressed his pride in the University of Jember being selected to host the national KRAI competition.
“It is a great honor for Unej to be entrusted with hosting the national ABU Robot Contest,” he said.
According to Iwan, robotics represents the convergence of multiple disciplines, including electrical engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and human creativity.
“Robotics reflects the future by bringing together various modern scientific disciplines,” he explained.
He added that this interdisciplinary approach has the potential to produce practical solutions for real-world challenges.
Iwan emphasized that technological mastery will play a decisive role in shaping Indonesia’s future. Therefore, he said, KRAI is more than just a competition—it is a learning platform designed to cultivate the next generation of Indonesian robotics innovators.
“Students who demonstrate critical thinking and strong teamwork throughout this competition are the ones who will help lead Indonesia toward its Golden Indonesia 2045 vision. Ultimately, great technology is born through the spirit of collaboration,” he said.
Winning Team to Represent Indonesia in Hong Kong
Beny Bandanadjaja, Director of Learning and Student Affairs (Belmawa) at the Directorate General of Higher Education under Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, also expressed his support for KRAI 2026.
Beny stressed the importance of maintaining sportsmanship throughout the competition.
“The winning team will become Indonesia’s official representative at the ABU International Robot Contest in Hong Kong. I encourage all participants to respect every decision made by the judging panel,” he said.
He expressed hope that the champion of KRAI 2026 would proudly represent Indonesia on the international stage.
Looking ahead, Indonesia is also expected to host the international edition of the ABU Robot Contest in 2027.
Conclusion
KRAI 2026 highlights Indonesia’s commitment to advancing robotics and technological innovation by fostering young talent through collaboration, creativity, and healthy competition. Beyond selecting the nation’s representative for the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026, the event reinforces the importance of robotics education in preparing future innovators who will contribute to Indonesia’s digital transformation and the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.
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