By: Ir. Ulul Azmi, ST., CST., IPM., ASEAN Eng, Chairperson of the Indonesian Engineers Association of Riau Province and the youngest Chair of PII in Indonesia

May 23, 1952 is not just an ordinary historical record. That day, Ir. Djoeuanda Kartawidjaja was appointed as the first chairman of the Indonesian Engineers Association (PII), a professional organization that was born from the spirit of the times and historical calls to liberate Indonesia, not only politically, but also technologically and industrially. It is undeniable, the birth of PII is also a thought and encouragement of the first president of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Soekarno - a visionary endeur who understands very well that the future of the nation cannot be separated from the power of engineering and technology.

Ir. Djoeuanda is not only known as a technocratic leader, but also as a strategic statesman. One of his monumental contributions was the Djoeanda Declaration on December 13, 1957, which stipulated that all waters between Indonesian islands were part of the territory of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia. This declaration is not just a claim, but a revolutionary step that changes the map of the international sea law and is the basis for the conception of the "archipelago" (Archipelagic State) which is then recognized in the International Sea Law Convention (UNCLOS 1982). This is proof that the mind of an engineer can reach as far as the world's geopolitics.

Now, in the age of 73 years, PII increasingly strengthens his identity as a motor of the nation's progress in the fields of technology and industry. Under the leadership of the Chairperson of PII Ir. Ilham Akbar Habibie, the spirit of re-industrialization and downstreaming became the main agenda that we must support together. Mr. Ilham Akbar Habibie emphasized that this nation should not forever be consumers and exporters of raw materials, but must transform into high -value producer, mastering technology, and encourage industrial independence.

However, it should be underlined, that the current direction of industrial development is no longer only oriented to growth, but must also be environmental and sustainable. The fourth industrial revolution has opened space for the integration of green technology, renewable energy, and low emission production systems. This is where engineers play an important role as a future architect who not only builds physical infrastructure, but also maintains ecological sustainability and inheriting a healthy environment to future generations.

In that context, the spirit of re-industrialization and downstreaming cannot be separated from the principle of sustainable development (sustainable development). PII encourages every industrial policy, especially in areas rich in resources such as Riau, must be based on strict AMDAL studies, the application of clean technology, and fulfillment of work safety standards and the environment. Engineers should not only be oriented to output, but also responsible for impacts.

The existence of PII is also legally strengthened by the promulgation of Law Number 11 of 2014 concerning Science, which emphasizes that the practice of illinoids should only be carried out by those who have professional engineers certificates and are officially registered. Compliance with this Act becomes an important instrument in ensuring the quality, safety and integrity of engineering work in Indonesia.

As Chairperson of the Riau Province PII and demographically is the chairman of the youngest region in Indonesia, I see that the regeneration of leadership and spirit of collaboration across generations is the main capital to answer the challenges of the times. We cannot survive the old way to face new problems. So, innovation, adaptation, and digitalization becomes an important pillar in building relevant and impacting illine ecosystems.

PII Riau is committed to presenting young engineers who are not only competent, but also have integrity and national awareness. We believe, engineers are not just a technical problem solving, but also a civilization guard.

At the age of 73 years, let me invite all PII members from Sabang to Merauke to emulate the spirit of Ir. Soekarno and Ir. Djoeuanda - and now continues the great vision of Ir. Ilham Akbar Habibie. Let's go to the spirit of re-industrialization and downstreaming based on sustainability and the environment, realizing Indonesia as an independent, green, and sovereign industrial country. Let's continue to protect the embers of Indonesia's synergy. Don't let him go out, because of that the future of this nation is ignited. (***)