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In the realm of technological advancement, Indonesia is carving out its niche with the groundbreaking Red and White Laptop initiative, spearheaded by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Ditjen Dikti Kemendikbudristek). This ambitious project recently reached a significant milestone with a visit to a manufacturing facility in Depok, West Java, underscoring the nation’s commitment to technological self-sufficiency.
At the forefront of this endeavour are distinguished figures such as Professor Ir Nizam, MSc, DIC, PhD, IPU, ASEAN Engineering, Acting Director General of Higher Education, and Ir Adi Indrayanto, MSc, PhD, Head of the Microelectronics Centre at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). Their collaborative efforts epitomise the synergy between academia and industry in propelling Indonesia’s technological landscape forward.
The Red and White Laptop programme represents more than just a technological initiative; it embodies Indonesia’s resolve to enhance its Domestic Component Level (TKDN) and reduce its dependence on imported technologies. By advancing the assembly process, the government aims to fortify local manufacturing capabilities, stimulate the growth of the domestic technology industry, and foster a culture of innovation.
Since its inception in 2021, the programme has been instrumental in providing essential laptops to educational institutions across all levels, from elementary to high school. Adi Indrayanto stresses the transformative impact of laptops in modern education, facilitating digital integration in classrooms, nurturing student digital literacy, and expanding access to online educational resources.
Beyond its educational implications, the Red and White Laptop initiative holds strategic significance in bolstering Indonesia’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Through a consortium comprising five leading universities – ITB, University of Indonesia (UI), Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), and Telkom University (Tel-U) – the programme is driving collaborative efforts to design and manufacture laptops tailored to Indonesia’s unique educational needs.
Dr Eng Ir Sarwono Sutikno from ITB’s School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics sheds light on the programme’s progress, particularly in motherboard manufacturing, which now incorporates locally sourced components. Stringent testing procedures ensure the functionality and stability of the motherboards, integrating cutting-edge technology while augmenting the TKDN value.
Professor Nizam underscores the transformative potential of the Red and White Laptop programme in revolutionising technology and education nationwide. He underscores the pivotal role of universities as engines of innovation and collaboration, advocating for an ecosystem conducive to technological advancement and growth.
This initiative dovetails seamlessly with the government’s broader agenda of modernising the education system and equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital age. By bridging the digital divide through widespread laptop distribution, Indonesia is laying the groundwork for a technologically empowered workforce poised to compete on the global stage.
Despite being a leader in internet penetration in Asia, OpenGov Asia reported, that Indonesia looking to boost in digital competitiveness, where it currently ranks 51st out of 63 countries. To address this gap, Dr Tining Haryanti, an ITS doctoral graduate in Information Systems, conducted research focused on leveraging innovation to enhance Indonesia’s digital standing. Tining’s dissertation, “Enhancing Digital Competitiveness in Indonesia through the Development of a Grand Design and Digital Maturity Measurement Application Based on General System Theory (GST),” introduces a framework and application aimed at comprehensively assessing and improving Indonesia’s digital competitiveness. This research aims to inform governmental strategies to address digital challenges and elevate Indonesia’s digital ranking.
The Red and White Laptop initiative symbolises Indonesia’s commitment to technological autonomy and innovation, heralding a new era of progress and prosperity. As the nation continues its journey towards technological self-sufficiency, the initiative stands as a symbol of Indonesia’s potential as a global leader in the technology industry. By prioritising homegrown talent and solutions, Indonesia is charting a course towards a prosperous and technologically empowered future.
