RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Drone technology is emerging as a key catalyst in Indonesia’s industrial transformation. The Ministry of Industry is accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies to boost competitiveness and drive national economic growth, with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) increasingly being deployed across sectors ranging from agriculture and forestry to mining, energy, and logistics.

“Drone-based services have become essential tools for industries, enabling more efficient production and field monitoring while delivering highly accurate mapping,” Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said in Jakarta on Sunday, February 23, 2026, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

Beyond aerial surveys and spatial mapping, drones are now being used to provide detailed demographic insights, identify potential development areas, and support real-time monitoring. This expansion reflects the growing role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in offering UAV services, bridging the gap for industries - particularly SMEs - seeking to integrate advanced technology into their operations.

The Directorate General of Small, Medium, and Miscellaneous Industries (IKMA) at the Ministry of Industry has been actively supporting drone-focused SMEs, with 24 companies currently receiving guidance in areas such as capacity building, market access, and product development. “We continue to assist SMEs in strengthening their competitiveness and expanding their reach in the drone technology market,” said IKMA Director General Reni Yanita.

Earlier this month, IKMA officials visited several drone startups in Yogyakarta, including CV AMX UAV Technologies, PT Inderaja Teknik Indonesia, PT Karya Solusi Angkasa, PT Aerotek Global Inovasi, and PT Inovasi Solusi Transportasi Indonesia. These firms have developed a wide range of UAVs - from agricultural drones and surveillance mappers to passenger drones and cargo carriers - already in use across multiple provinces and industries.

The ministry's initiatives have included training programs, certification support, and participation in international exhibitions, such as the Manufacturing Indonesia Series (MFI) and the China-BRICS Science and Innovation Incubation Park. These efforts aim to expose Indonesian drone SMEs to broader industrial ecosystems, foster collaboration with educational institutions and strategic partners, and strengthen their role as technology providers.

“Through these programs, drone SMEs are gaining visibility, building networks, and developing solutions that meet real industry needs,” said IKMA Director Dini Hanggandari, noting that exposure at exhibitions has helped SMEs refine their products, explore new markets - including BRICS countries - and innovate in areas such as smart spectrum technology.

Examples include Frogs Indonesia, produced by PT Inovasi Solusi Transportasi Indonesia, which offers passenger drones, spray drones, cargo drones, and surveillance mappers now operating in more than 21 provinces and 61 regencies.

Meanwhile, PT Karya Solusi Angkasa specializes in agricultural drones with composite carbon designs and safety features, while PT Aerotek Global Inovasi’s Beehive drones have been deployed for palm oil pollination and firefighting missions.

PT Inderaja Teknik Indonesia focuses on geospatial mapping, including underwater and underground surveys, and CV AMX UAV Technologies provides drones for aerial videography, industrial planning, and agricultural management.

By nurturing these enterprises, the Ministry of Industry aims to position drone technology not only as a tool for efficiency but also as a strategic driver of Indonesia’s industrial competitiveness in the global market. ***