Bandung – On Monday, November 20, 2023, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), through its Center for Defense and Security Technology (Pusat Teknologi Pertahanan dan Keamanan, or PUSTEKHAN), organized a national defense industry seminar titled ‘Building National Defense Industry Self-Sufficiency through the Optimization of Innovation Activities, Research, Enhancement of Domestic Content, and Development Based on Intangible Assets.’ The event took place at the West Hall of the ITB Ganesha Campus.

The seminar was a collaborative effort between PUSTEKHAN ITB, the School of Business and Management ITB (SBM ITB), and DEFEND ID, aimed at promoting the strengthening of the national defense industry.

The event was attended by the Head of PUSTEKHAN ITB, Ir. Djarot Widagdo, Ph.D., the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at ITB, Prof. Ir. I Gede Wenten, M.Sc., Ph.D., and speakers such as Ir. Tazar Marta Kurniawan from PT Len Industri, Dr. Ir. Ary Setijadi Phiratmanto, S.T., M.T., the Research and Technology Coordinator at PUSTEKHAN ITB, and the Director of Technology and Defense Industry at the Ministry of Defense, First Marshal TNI Dedy Laksmono, S.E., S.T., M.M., who served as the keynote speaker.

The Head of PUSTEKHAN, who is also a lecturer in the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FMAE), Ir. Djarot Widagdo, Ph.D., expressed appreciation for the seminar event, acknowledging its role in fortifying the tradition of research and innovation to enhance educational quality and contribute to the nation.

Ir. Djarot Widagdo emphasizes the urgency of national mastery and improvement, underscoring research and innovation as key elements to achieve progress in the industry. The Center for Defense and Security Technology at the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) has committed to being an integral part of the ecosystem driving innovation across various technology sectors and defense industries. Djarot declares that ITB, through PUSTEKHAN ITB, is actively committed to the development of research and innovation systems in the field of national defense and security. This commitment stems from the significance of the defense industry as a fundamental element in national development, where advancements in this sector reflect the level of competitiveness, particularly through high technology and a focus on research and innovation activities.

“We, ITB, continuously strive to build strong relationships in research and innovation in the fields of science, technology, the arts, social, business, and management. In the context of research and innovation, we realize the importance of cooperation.” He said.

In conclusion, the hope for the future is that all of these activities will be part of building a defense and security technology ecosystem. With good coordination and an emphasis on strengthening the defense industry, Ir. Djarot is also confident that this series of collaborative research programs will provide great benefits and support technological development in supporting national security.