Bandung – On Friday (18/11/22), the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace (FTMD) successfully organized the 13th National Dialogue Forum with the theme “The Application of Future Technology in the Development of National Aerospace Industry”. The event was held both in person at the FTMD Joint Work Room and online through the Zoom app. The event was attended by four main speaker panelists, FTMD students, invited guests, and other stakeholders. 

The 13th National Dialogue Forum (FDN) is a dialogic cooperation forum that partners with various groups in discussion or seminar activities to provide a contribution of ideas about national and country development. FDN has a vision and mission to build the nation and country with technology and innovation. 

The Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace (FTMD) and a panelist in this discussion forum, Prof. Dr. Eng. Tatacipta Dirgantara, in his short speech, expressed his gratitude for the honor given to FTMD to be the host of the 13th FDN. This is certainly a great and rare opportunity, where many groups from various interests gather and discuss to advance the aerospace world in Indonesia. He hopes that this discussion forum can ignite national policies or strategies to build Indonesia. 

The implementation of FDN at FTMD, developed the long-standing memory of Mr. Ilham Habibie when he was a lecturer in the Faculty of Industrial Engineering (FTI) in the Aerospace Engineering program, exactly 20 years ago in the subject of Compressible Aerodynamics. At that time, FTMD was still joined with FTI. This was revealed by him in his speech. 

The discussion session began with Mr. Ilham Habibie’s presentation on the development plan for the R80 aircraft and the concept of developing aerospace technology that is suitable for the geographical conditions of Indonesia. In his explanation, he mentioned three important technology families to be considered. Firstly, materials, where the materials used in the aircraft’s chassis can be processed again as much as possible when the aircraft can no longer be flown. Secondly, the use of renewable energy as fuel. Lastly, the implementation of digitalization in the development of current technology. 

The discussion at FTMD focused on the aerospace industry in Indonesia. The discussion was attended by representatives from PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI), a company that provides air transportation products that support the defense of Indonesia and commercial aircraft suitable for the Indonesian climate. The representative from PT DI discussed the company’s future plans to commercially develop the N219 project, which aims to improve the skills of aerospace engineers in the country. The project is entirely built domestically and is a source of pride for Indonesia. 

Another panelist, Robertus Heru Triharjanto representing the Indonesian Aerospace and Aviation Research Organization (BRIN), explained that BRIN will unite four Non-Ministerial Government Agencies (LPNK) and around 30 universities to form 12 aerospace and aviation research organizations. The aim of these organizations is to conduct research on key aerospace and aviation technologies that meet the needs of Indonesia. 

FTMD plays a crucial role in the regeneration of aviation engineers in Indonesia. The curriculum and learning system are designed to equip students to adapt to rapidly changing technology. Prof. Tata mentioned that FTMD graduates are equipped with strong engineering knowledge and are provided with high learning experiences, allowing them to quickly adapt to new changes. FTMD has been implementing a guided independent learning system since the early 2000s, where students receive additional learning experiences through internships, international competitions, and independent research projects. 

The discussion forum went smoothly. FTMD students, especially those from the Aerospace Engineering Program, were also actively asking questions. All parties present, including academics, industry, and government, have a shared spirit of collaboration and synergy to advance the aerospace industry in Indonesia.