RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta: The Indonesian Government reaffirmed support for strengthening the engineering sector at World Engineering Day 2026 in Jakarta, Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The event was organized by the Indonesian Engineers Association and supported by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations and UNESCO.

The forum carried the theme “Smart Engineering for Sustainable Future through Innovation and Digitalization.” The discussion highlighted the urgency of smart and environmentally friendly investments to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Globally, annual investment needs range between USD4 trillion and USD7 trillion.

Digitalization and sustainability are now integrated into a single development pathway. Indonesia is emerging as an active laboratory for digital and sustainable innovation. Its digital economy valuation is projected to reach USD124 billion in 2025.

Mobile penetration has reached 116 percent, supported by 230 million internet users and 180 million social media identities.

Minister of Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, stressed the importance of strengthening national engineering capacity. He underlined Indonesia’s position in global digital competitiveness rankings.

Reinforcing the engineering sector is crucial to restoring and surpassing previous achievements.“Indonesia ranks 51st in the World Digital Competitiveness Rankings 2025. Although this marks a shift from 43rd position in 2024, we remain optimistic about the data. There is a need to strengthen our engineering sector to regain and even surpass the previous position,” Airlangga said.

Indonesia targets entering the top 45 of the Global Innovation Index by 2030. The country is also placed in Tier 1, categorized as a role model, in the 2024 Cyber Security Index. Airlangga encouraged engineers to utilize artificial intelligence and big data to address water scarcity, optimize energy networks, and build resilient cities.

He also highlighted Indonesia’s shortage of engineers, especially as the government pushes semiconductor industry development. The country needs an additional 45 percent of engineers from the current total. Around 15,000 engineers are required for semiconductors and 150,000 annually for digital industries over the next six years.

“We need an additional 45 percent from the current number of engineers. Specifically, for the semiconductor industry, we require around 15,000 engineers. For the digital industry, we may need an additional 150,000 engineers each year over the next six years,” Airlangga conveyed.

Indonesia has completed the UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment, becoming the first country in ASEAN to do so. Globally, artificial intelligence is projected to contribute USD15.7 trillion to the economy by 2030. For Indonesia alone, generative AI could add USD243.5 billion to national economic output.