Bandung — The Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD) at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) welcomed a visit from delegates of PT SKF Industrial Indonesia on February 5, 2024. Representing the company were Anis Lutfi, Commercial Director, and Nita Nuriman, Finance Director. The visit aimed to introduce PT SKF Industrial Indonesia and explore potential collaboration in human resource development and industrial training facilities.

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Jakarta, PT SKF Industrial Indonesia is part of the SKF Group, a Swedish industrial components manufacturer established in Gothenburg in 1907. SKF is globally known for producing bearings, seals, lubrication systems, mechatronics products, and condition monitoring solutions. During the visit, the SKF delegation was welcomed by Satrio Wicaksono, ST., M.Eng., Ph.D., Head of the RIEM2TB Center, along with FTMD researchers Ditho Ardiansyah Pulungan, ST., M.Sc., Ph.D., and Dr. Steven, ST., M.T., from the Material Science and Engineering Research Group, and Rianto Adhy Sasongko, ST., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Undergraduate Aerospace Engineering Program.

The discussion between the two parties was in-depth, focusing on various collaboration opportunities, including plans for developing the SKF Training Center. Within this framework, PT SKF invited FTMD ITB to take part in organizing internationally scaled training programs, such as the SKF Training Center for ISEA (Industrial Skill Enhancement Academy), customer certification training, and specialized training for SKF staff. Plans also include the development of an Industrial Training and Engineering Center (ITEC). PT SKF also offered collaboration in improving the capacity and capabilities of its human resources in managing strategic stock and inventory to enhance industrial operational efficiency.

This collaboration holds significant potential, considering FTMD ITB’s strong track record in meeting industrial demands. One of the highlights of this partnership is the credit-earning program, in which certification trainings can be acknowledged as academic credits (SKS). This provides flexibility and additional value for training participants who may wish to pursue graduate studies at ITB in the future.

As a follow-up, a kick-off meeting and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FTMD ITB and PT SKF Industrial Indonesia will be held. This MoU is expected to be the first step in a sustainable partnership that brings substantial benefits to both parties, particularly in developing human capital and industrial infrastructure.