Three ministers in President Joko Widodo’s government have been awarded Herman Johannes Award during Engineering Higher Education Day on Friday (22/2) in Grha Sabha Pramana UGM.
They are Industry Minister, Airlangga Hartarto, Foreign Affairs Minister, Retno Marsudi, and Transportation Minister, Budi Karya Sumadi. “This appreciation gave me a new hope to perform better for the nation. I hope we can also become a greater nation, the number one in the world,” said Minister Budi Karya.
Meanwhile, Minister Airlangga delivered a scientific remarks themed Building Technology Sovereignty in Disruption Era, highlighting the potential of the implementation of Industry 4.0 to boost change in manufacture industry policy and to stress the state preparedness in utilising the digital era for national economy.
“We have seen many countries absorbing this move into their national agenda to revolutionise their industry strategy and increasing their competitiveness in the global market,” he said.
According to the Minister, Indonesia was ready for Industry 4.0, as marked by the launching of Making Indonesia 4.0 roadmap for manufacture sector revitalisation.
He said Indonesia had great potential to implement Industry 4.0 due to its demography bonus until 2030, hence able to meet manpower need.
The Engineering UGM alumnus mentioned the five industrial sectors that would be the backbones to reaching Making Indonesia 4.0, namely food and beverage, textile and clothing, automotive, chemicals, and electronics. He called on the young generation and academic community to take part in the Making Indonesia 4.0 roadmap.
Minister Airlangga received the HJA award in industry category, Minister Budi Karya in transportation and Minister Retno Marsudi in diplomacy. Another HJA Award recipient, the late Prof. Dr. (HC) Ir. R.M. Sedijatmo Atmohoedojo, for his works in construction.
“I hope this award can inspire us to continue the spirit of Herman Johannes to build the nation,” said Engineering Faculty Dean, Prof. Ir. Nizam, M.Sc., PhD.
HJA Award is granted annually to national figures that contribute to the development of science and technology in Indonesia. In 2018, two ministers also received the award, Minister of Marine and Fisheries Affairs, Susi Pudjiastuti, and Minister of Public Works and Settlement, Basuki Hadimuljono.
Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, appreciated the HJA recipients. “The outcomes of development that we enjoy presently are credited to these national figures that have helped the President in making advancement possible,” said the Rector.