inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisintek), Satryo Soemantri Brodjonegoro, is pushing for the development of semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) as key drivers of future technology.

Minister Satryo explained about the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029, as well as the direction of government policy contained in Astacita, including the plan from the Ministry of Investment which covers nine priority investment sectors, with semiconductors being one of the main focuses.

According to him, semiconductors have great potential to be developed in Indonesia, considering that raw materials such as silica, institutions, bauxite, and gold are abundant in the country.

"We have reserves of SiO2 quartz sand of 27 billion tons, with 330 million tons of which are spread across 23 provinces. This quartz sand can be processed into silicon for raw materials for semiconductor chips," explained the Minister of Science and Technology on Thursday (1/16/2025).

He also mentioned that semiconductors are now considered a new resource with a potential of 592 billion US dollars, which is often analogous to petroleum.

"We must prepare the right regulations, develop talents for AI and semiconductors, and strengthen research and development. This is important to create a deep-tech industry with high added value, as well as carry out downstreaming," said the Minister of Education and Technology.

In the sectors of food security, green economy, creative industry, digitalization, and health, Satryo emphasized that all can be optimized by using AI and research-based technological revolution, which will support sustainable economic growth.

Therefore, he invited experts to focus on existing problems and find solutions that have a real impact on society.

"Innovation must be based on the paradigm of transformation, with a focus on problem-based research," said the Minister of Education and Technology.

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