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Minister of Communication and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi, has affirmed that the Indonesia Digital Testing House (IDTH), a transformation of the Telecommunications Device Testing Centre (BBPPT), is ready to collaborate with various universities. According to Budi, this collaboration aims to research and develop better telecommunications devices, ultimately supporting improving telecommunications device quality in the Indonesian market.
Budi added that IDTH has collaborated with several leading universities such as Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), University of Indonesia (UI), Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), Telkom University, and many more. Through this collaboration, students from electrical engineering and telecommunications programmes at these universities can engage in fieldwork and internships at IDTH.
In addition to university collaborations, IDTH also offers opportunities for cooperation with independent researchers. Syaharuddin, Head of BBPPT, stated that IDTH has collaborated with several independent researchers, such as in testing radio devices for use by fishermen.
Further, IDTH introduced the latest telecommunications device testing equipment at their newest Tapos, Depok, West Java facility. IDTH, as the new face of BBPPT, has introduced various testing devices, including the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing device, which is essential for ensuring the safety of telecommunications devices for user health.
According to Syaharuddin, SAR testing is crucial as it measures the amount of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the human body using telecommunications devices. With this testing, it is hoped that devices used in Indonesia will be safe for the public and not have adverse health effects.
The SAR testing equipment used at IDTH is from Switzerland and is a robot named DASY8. Currently, SAR testing can only be done for devices such as smartphones that potentially have the highest exposure to radiation near the head. However, in the future, SAR testing will extend to other body-worn devices, such as tablets and smartwatches.
With the presence of IDTH and SAR testing equipment, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics has also added a new obligation for telecommunications device providers to undergo SAR testing and obtain certification. This is outlined in Ministerial Decree No. 177 of 2024 regarding the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Limit.
As IDTH is the only facility in Indonesia with SAR testing equipment, it is highly likely that all telecommunications device manufacturers, especially smartphone manufacturers intending to enter Indonesia, will conduct SAR testing at IDTH. Thus, it is hoped that all telecommunications devices circulating in Indonesia are safe and meet the established safety standards.
“With the establishment of collaborations with universities and independent researchers, it is envisioned that innovation and digital talent in the field of telecommunications will continue to grow and develop,” added Syaharuddin.
Further, the collaboration between IDTH and universities can benefit both parties. Universities can access cutting-edge technology and practical industry knowledge through collaborations with IDTH, enhancing the quality of their students’ education. On the other hand, IDTH can benefit from the new perspectives and innovative ideas of university students and researchers, which can contribute to developing new and improved telecommunications devices.
Moreover, collaborating with independent researchers opens up opportunities for IDTH to explore new research avenues and potential applications for their testing facilities. By engaging with independent researchers, IDTH can tap into a broader pool of expertise and experience, leading to more comprehensive and impactful research outcomes.
IDTH’s commitment to collaboration also reflects a broader trend in the telecommunications industry towards greater cooperation and knowledge-sharing. In an increasingly interconnected world, collaboration between industry players, academia, and independent researchers is essential for driving innovation and advancing the field of telecommunications.
IDTH’s collaboration with universities and independent researchers represents a significant step towards enhancing the quality and safety of telecommunications devices in Indonesia. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these partners, IDTH can continue to drive innovation and improve the standards of the telecommunications industry.
