Indonesia has emerged as a key player in the global smart mining industry. As such, the adoption of intelligent, AI-based technologies is essential to address geographical challenges in difficult tropical terrain and to streamline complex administrative processes that have long burdened the mining sector. These issues were highlighted during the Mining Full Technology Forum, organized by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FMIPA UGM), and the FMIPA UGM Alumni Association (KAMIPAGAMA), in collaboration with the Djakarta Mining Club. The event took place at the Indonesia Power Auditorium in Jakarta on Friday (Nov. 28).
UGM Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, emphasized the university’s full support for this collaboration as a concrete step toward advancing downstreaming of research to industry.
He expressed hope that the strategic issues discussed during the forum would align with the government’s commitment to the digitalization of the mining sector.
Dean of FMIPA UGM, Professor Kuwat Triyana, elaborated on the strategic role of universities and encouraged mining corporations to rethink their research paradigm. He noted that companies no longer need to bear the high costs of establishing research facilities from scratch.
Professor Kuwat outlined FMIPA UGM’s readiness to provide end-to-end technological solutions, drawing from extensive experience in AI systems for geological detection and operational optimization.
“Make FMIPA UGM your strategic Research and Development partner,” said Professor Triyana.
Director of Coal Development and Business Management, Surya Herjuna, representing the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, stressed that Indonesia’s national mining industry is undergoing a crucial transformation amid global market volatility.
He noted that the sector can no longer rely solely on resource reserves; its future depends on digital intelligence and technological sovereignty.
“The government remains committed to the digitalization of the mining sector, and we highly appreciate Minerba One, an integrated super-app resulting from collaboration with FMIPA UGM. This application is a tangible example of academic contributions to achieving transparent and accountable mineral and coal governance,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Chair of KAMIPAGAMA, Daniel Oscar Baskoro, underscored the importance of profit-oriented initiatives. He emphasized that Research and Development partnerships with universities must ensure that the use of AI can be translated into financial benefits for mining companies.
“Through cost efficiency and precise operations, technological applications are expected to have a direct impact on the company’s bottom line,” Baskoro said.
To enrich perspectives within the industry ecosystem, the forum also featured expert speakers from Vale, MIND ID, PLN Enjinering, Gowell Energy, and Red Hat.
These stakeholders explored the readiness of energy and digital infrastructure, underscoring the need for strong integration and AI-driven research between mining corporations and technology providers.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographs: FMIPA UGM