The advancement of Indonesia's semiconductor industry took center stage on August 13 as Taiwan, the US, and Indonesia strengthened their trade partnership at the International Conference on Sustainable Semiconductor Manufacturing in Surabaya. Hosted by Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), the conference highlighted Indonesia's potential in the global semiconductor trade, focusing on fabrication processes, the circular economy, and sustainable development goals. This pivotal event outlined a strategic roadmap for Indonesia's integration into the global semiconductor supply chain, emphasizing both opportunities and challenges.

ITS is a key player in advancing semiconductor research and talent cultivation in Indonesia. The conference, supported by prominent figures such as ITS President Bambang Pramujati, emphasized the need for international collaboration. “Semiconductors are a high-value industry that can significantly boost Indonesia's economy,” stated Pramujati. “However, Indonesia faces the challenge of cultivating semiconductor technology talent, making collaboration with partners like the US and Taiwan.” This focus on talent development underscores the critical need for Indonesia to leverage global expertise to enhance its competitiveness in the semiconductor trade.

Professor Irfansyah of ITS exemplifies Indonesia’s progress in semiconductor design. Leading a student team through a Google-backed initiative, Irfansyah’s project marks a significant advancement for Indonesian students and the country’s semiconductor ambitions. Looking ahead, Indonesia plans to develop its semiconductor sector by focusing on IC design. The Indonesia Chip Design Collaborative Center (ICDeC), supported by 15 universities and the Ministry of Industry, aims to train 1,000 IC design professionals annually, enhancing local content in consumer electronics and laying a strong foundation for the industry.

Taiwan's dominance in the semiconductor industry was prominently featured, with the delegation, led by the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), showcasing their expertise. Taiwan is responsible for 95% of the world's advanced chips and 90% of AI servers. The delegation provided valuable insights into advanced fabrication processes and sustainable development strategies.

The conference also saw significant US participation, including representatives from Intel, AMD, and Micron. Micron highlighted its initiative to recruit Indonesian talent for internships at its Taiwan branch, reflecting Taiwan's commitment to fostering future engineers and reinforcing its role in the global semiconductor sector.

Initiated by the Taipei Economic and Trade Office and the US Consulate General, the conference underscored the importance of the Taiwan-Indonesia Innovation Center (STIC), co-founded by NTUST and ITS. This center facilitates collaboration between Taiwan, the US, and Indonesia, marking the conference as the first major semiconductor forum in Indonesia and highlighting the importance of international cooperation.

The trilateral trade partnership between Taiwan, Indonesia, and the US is poised to transform the global semiconductor market. By leveraging Taiwan's technological expertise, Indonesia aims to overcome its current challenges and emerge as a significant player in the industry. The cooperation promises to drive Indonesia's economic growth and sets the stage for successful international trade collaborations in high-tech sectors, with a robust roadmap guiding its integration into the global market.