Indonesia, Airbus strengthen national aerospace ecosystem

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of National Development Planning/Head of the National Development Planning Agency Rachmat Pambudy said Indonesia would strengthen its aerospace ecosystem by developing human resource capacity through cooperation with Airbus.

The cooperation aims to enhance skills development, technical education and training, and joint research, while exploring the establishment of aerospace research centers as a follow-up to a Joint Declaration between Bappenas and Airbus.

"Our partnership with Airbus must go beyond commercial interests and contribute to technological capabilities, industrial resilience, and human resource development," Pambudy said in an official statement on Friday.

He made this statement at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Airbus, state-owned air navigation service provider AirNav Indonesia, and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB).

According to Pambudy, cooperation with ITB should support postgraduate education, intensive technical training, and joint research to strengthen Indonesia's technological capabilities and build a stronger national aerospace ecosystem.

The Airbus-ITB collaboration is expected to support a broader agenda, including developing the capabilities of state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia, NC212 aircraft certification, N219 development, A400M capability enhancement, a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) ecosystem, and Kertajati aerospace ecosystem development.

The minister stressed that the cooperation should be supported by a clear work plan, measurable targets, designated responsible institutions, a timeline, and defined requirements.

"We need local suppliers to be involved, technology transfer, improved workforce capabilities, and Indonesia's increasingly greater participation in the global aerospace supply chain," he said.

He added the commitment must be translated into concrete action in line with the national development agenda toward Golden Indonesia 2045.

Additionally, Executive Vice President of International Airbus Wouter van Wersch stated the company's commitment to developing local talent as a foundation for growth in the aerospace industry.

Van Wersch said Airbus believes Indonesia has the capabilities and talent needed to achieve the goal, adding that by combining industry development, talent building, and aircraft development, the company is not only providing aircraft but also building a long-term strategic partnership.

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Translator: Alatas, Kenzu
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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