Bandung – The Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD) ITB hosted a guest lecture featuring Dr. Ir. Soerjanto Tjahjono, Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT). The lecture, titled “Safety and Aircraft Incidents in Indonesia,” took place on March 28, 2024, aiming to enrich students’ understanding of current trends in aviation safety. The event was attended by undergraduate and graduate students.

KNKT is a non-structural agency under the responsibility of the President. Its primary tasks include conducting transportation accident investigations, providing recommendations based on investigation results to relevant parties, and offering advice and considerations to the President to enhance transportation safety.

The guest lecture was opened by the Dean of FTMD ITB, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, with an introductory lecture by Prof. Icshan Setya Putra. He emphasized that KNKT’s presence aims to prevent similar accidents in the future. Thus, this public lecture is expected to provide students with new insights into the relevance of their current coursework to future applications.

Dr. Ir. Soerjanto Tjahjono, an alumnus of ITB Mechanical Engineering class of 1986, introduced concepts focused on multiple side damage and damage tolerance. He highlighted the importance of understanding these concepts when entering the industry. Multiple side damage and damage tolerance are not only relevant but crucial in ensuring the reliability and safety of systems in various industries, particularly in aviation safety.

“Therefore, someone who can discover damage tolerance is an extraordinary person,” he concluded.

In the lecture, Dr. Ir. Soerjanto Tjahjono discussed various aspects related to aviation safety in Indonesia, including factors causing aircraft incidents and steps that can be taken to improve safety standards.

One key point highlighted by Dr. Soerjanto was KNKT’s approach to its tasks. They use a No Blame, No Judicial, and No Liability investigation concept. He also shared information about the number of aircraft accidents occurring annually and the black box investigation process.

This guest lecture was highly beneficial for students to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges of aviation safety in Indonesia and the role of KNKT in maintaining transportation safety. It is hoped that the knowledge gained from this event will enable students to become agents of change who contribute to enhancing aviation safety in the future.