Indonesia Collaboration with South Korea Supports Industrial Skill Growth

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Industry is strengthening its collaboration with South Korea to enhance human resource development in the industrial sector through the use of “Ppuri Technology.” The cooperation is facilitated by the Korea–Indonesia Industry and Technology Cooperation Center (KITC).

Ppuri technology, literally meaning “root technology” in Korean, refers to fundamental manufacturing processes. Industries that apply this technology convert raw materials into basic components that serve as essential inputs for major sectors such as automotive, shipbuilding, and information technology.

The program, Establishment of Human Resource Development (HRD) System for Ppuri Technology in Indonesia, aims to improve workforce capabilities and strengthen technological mastery in the industrial sector.

Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita emphasized that human resource development is crucial for building a competitive industrial sector. “Strengthening human resources is a key element in building a competitive industry. International collaboration must yield tangible results through enhancing the knowledge, skills, and technological mastery required by the industrial sector,” Minister Agus said in Jakarta on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

The South Korean government, through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), has approved a grant to support the project. The grant amounts to 14.69 billion KRW (approximately USD 10.64 million) and is managed by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT).

A consortium led by the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) is implementing the project, with the Korea National Ppuri Industry Center (KPIC) as one of the South Korean partners.

Director General of Industrial Resilience, Regionalization, and International Industrial Access (KPAII) at the Ministry of Industry, Tri Supondy, said the program is scheduled to run from 2026 to 2030. The ministry continues to coordinate with relevant stakeholders to address various requirements during the preparatory phase.

“We appreciate the support and cooperation from KITC, which has enabled us to prepare this program for implementation between 2026 and 2030. We are currently coordinating with relevant parties to address various requirements and ensure smooth implementation,” Tri said.

During the preparatory phase, the Directorate General of KPAII is working with the Ministry of Industry’s Industrial Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDMI), which will implement the program. This coordination includes finalizing the grant agreement and selecting locations for program activities.

BPSDMI is also communicating with KPIC, the South Korean implementing partner. The Directorate General of KPAII is prepared to assist with any needs within its scope of responsibility to ensure the program’s preparation proceeds according to plan.

Tri hopes the partnership will soon advance to the implementation stage. The development of Ppuri technology competencies is expected to benefit Indonesia’s workforce and manufacturing sector.

KITC Director Ji Hyun Sung views the development of Ppuri technology competencies as crucial for strengthening Indonesia’s manufacturing capabilities. The cooperation also includes workforce capacity‑building and knowledge exchange.

Ji Hyun Sung noted that the benefits of the collaboration extend beyond mastering technical skills. The partnership also aims to prepare the workforce to keep pace with technological advancements in the manufacturing sector.

During the meeting, Tri and Ji Hyun Sung discussed the program’s latest progress and opportunities for further collaboration with the Korean side. These discussions were intended to ensure the partnership aligns with Indonesia’s industrial development needs and priorities.

“We see numerous opportunities to expand our cooperation with the Ministry of Industry. We also wish to further explore collaboration in the fields of eco‑friendly industry and energy transition,” Ji Hyun Sung said. (Misni Parjiati)