Bandung – The National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) has partnered with Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) in drafting the roadmap for the Development of the Aerospace Ecosystem 2022-2045. ITB, through the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics (FTMD), is the only university involved in the preparation of this roadmap. FTMD, which has an Aerospace Engineering Study Program from Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate levels, is considered to have the capabilities as an academic institution to work with the industrial sector and the government in developing the Indonesian aerospace industry. The Dean of FTMD, Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, has assigned Lavi Rizki Zuhal, Ph.D., Dr. Yazdi Ibrahim Jenie, and Pramudita Satria Palar, Ph.D. who are FTMD faculty members, to be involved in the creation of this roadmap. 

The preparation of the roadmap for the Development of the Aerospace Ecosystem is aimed as a national reference in building the Indonesian aerospace industry. The Indonesian aerospace industry is considered to have a very large market potential through products and services produced with added value and high-tech content. The development of the aerospace industry can also increase connectivity between regions, thereby increasing economic growth and improving public mobility. 

This roadmap was launched at the peak event of the Indonesia Development Forum (IDF) organized by the Ministry of National Development Planning / Bappenas. The peak event was held in Bali on 21-22 November 2022. Coinciding with the event, ITB Rector Prof. Reini Wirahadikusumah, Ph.D. signed an MOU with the CEO of PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI). The MOU states that PT. DI and ITB agree to develop the competence of aircraft and aerospace design and manufacturing in the country. 

In the series of IDF events, specifically on the second day (22/11/22), one of the FTMD lecturers, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hari Muhammad, became a speaker in the session; Reviving The Aerospace Industry Through Sustainable Aerocraft Project Indonesia. 

 FTMD doesn’t stop at just mapping the road for the aerospace industry in Indonesia. As an academic institution, ITB has a role to provide concrete development patterns through ideas and suggestions in the form of research results that can be realized in the future. Furthermore, the presence of academics can help the industry to continue to grow to meet future needs. 

Through its education programs, FTMD is also responsible for regenerating aviation engineers and perpetuating the spirit of the aerospace industry’s revival. The roadmap planned until 2045 certainly requires competent aerospace personnel. If not properly prepared, there will be a shortage of aerospace qualified personnel. As a result, planned projects will not be efficient or will be delayed.