By: Amril Taufik Gobel

Vice president procurement EPC and Investment in the SCM Division of PT Nindya Karya and Members of the Central Board of PII 2024-2027 in the Communication Organizing Agency, Social Media and Awards 

In dealing with the global economic crisis that continues to flare up, the Institution of Engineers Indonesia (PII) which on May,23,2025 just celebrated 73th birthday, emerged as the frontline in supporting high quality and highly competitive nationalization. PII plays a strategic role as a catalyst, ensuring the Indonesian industrial sector is able to survive and grow in a sustainable in the midst of international market uncertainty, volatility of commodity prices, and inflationary pressures that are still overshadowing.

The global economic conditions predicted by the IMF will grow slowing down at 3.2% in 2025 demanding Indonesia to be more independent in developing the capacity of the domestic industry. The direction of the new government economic policy that prioritizes the economy of the big push (big push), protectionism, and labor -intensive reindustrialization provides a strategic momentum for PII to play a more significant role in the transformation of the national industry.

PII's Key Role in Facing the Global Economic Crisis

As a professional organization that houses engineers from various technical fields, PII bears great responsibilities in advancing the national industrial sector. Engineers, as the spearhead of innovation and technological development, are the main key in creating adaptive technical solutions to rapid global dynamics.

Therefore, PII actively coordinates and increases the capacity of its members, providing them with an efficient and innovative technical approach to facing economic challenges.

Sustainable Human Resource Capacity Development

PII continuously improve the quality of human resources engineers to be in line with the needs of today's and future industries. Through professional certification programs that are recognized nationally and internationally, such as professional engineer certification (IP), sustainable training in crucial fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) for manufacturing, big data analytics in industrial operations, as well as the latest technology seminars that discuss renewable energy and advanced materials,

PII ensures engineers have relevant and up-to-date competencies. This capacity building program has become increasingly crucial in an era where digital transformation and industrial technology 4.0 are the backbone of economic competitiveness. PII integrates a learning curriculum that includes Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain Technology to ensure Indonesian engineers are not lagging behind the development of global technology. This is very vital to support the transformation of industry 4.0 based on high technology and environmentally friendly, which is the main target in the efforts of national re-industrialization.

Facilitating Integrated Cross -Sector Collaboration

PII is an important bridge that facilitates close collaboration between engineers, industry players, academics, and government. Through regular discussion forums, such as national industrial technology symposiums that present representatives from the Ministry of Industry, as well as joint projects in the development of new technology funded by the Industrial-University consortiums, PII encourages synergy to create innovations and applicative solutions.

This collaboration has proven effective in accelerating the transfer of science and technology, increasing production efficiency, and in the end, boosting the quality of national products. The collaboration platform developed by PII also facilitates the best practices sharing between industries, allows faster and more efficient learning in adopting new technology. This is an important foundation in building an industrial ecosystem that supports each other and sustainably.

Provision of Technical Advis for Data -Based Industry Policy

With the in -depth expertise of its members, PII proactively provides technical advice to the government related to industrial and technology policies. PII participated in the preparation of the Making Indonesia 4.0 road map, providing data -based recommendations and technical analysis to optimize the use of national resources, reducing the dependence of strategic raw material imports, as well as the development of the downstream nickel and bauxite industry sectors which have high added value.

The success of the downstream of nickel which has contributed around Rp425 trillion for the national economy until 2024 shows the importance of technical contributions given by PII in the formulation of industrial policies. Indonesia as the largest nickel producer in the world with production projections reaching 298.5 million metric wet tons in 2025 requires solid technical support from engineers to maximize the added value of the downstream industry. This approach is expected to strengthen national economic resilience amid global economic turmoil.

Support for Innovation and Sustainable Technology Research

PII plays an active role in strengthening innovation and technological research in the industrial field through cooperation with leading research institutions and universities. PII supports the development of appropriate technology, such as innovation in the processing of industrial waste into energy, the development of composite materials for the local automotive industry, and electric vehicle battery technology that utilizes the downstreaming of the national nickel.

The success of the mass production of the first electric vehicle battery in Indonesia which began in April 2024 by PT Hyundai LG Indonesia marked a significant achievement in technological innovation supported by technical expertise of Indonesian engineers. These innovations not only help the industry survive amid economic pressure, but also open up new market opportunities and create high-quality employment that is sustainable.

Increasing awareness of Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Industry Standards

In addition to technical aspects, PII also contributes significantly in increasing awareness of the importance of safety, quality and sustainability standards in the industry. PII prioritizes the principles of professional ethics and social responsibility, encouraging Indonesian engineers to design and implement industrial solutions that are not only productive, but also environmental and social insight.

In the context of the rapidly developing nickel downstream, PII also plays a role in ensuring that industrial development does not ignore aspects of environmental sustainability and community welfare. This organization is actively encouraging the application of clean and sustainable manufacturing practices that are in line with global trends that demand green and sustainable industries, which are now one of the main requirements for international investment and exports.

Comprehensive Digital Industrial Transformation

In dealing with the global economic crisis, PII views industrial digitalization as one of the strategic solutions that cannot be postponed. PII encourages engineers to actively develop and implement digital technology such as Internet of Things (IoT) for monitoring real-time production, artificial intelligence (AI) for supply chain optimization, and automation in the production and industrial management process.

This digital transformation has become increasingly urgent considering the uncertain global economic conditions require high efficiency and adaptability. PII developed special training programs in the field of digital transformation, ensuring that Indonesian engineers have the ability to lead changes in technology in their respective industries. This step is expected to accelerate the modernization of national industry and expand global market access through the e-commerce platform and digital logistics.

Development of International Networks and Technology Diplomacy

PII consistently builds international networks with engineers and technological institutions in various countries. Through participation in the International Engineers Congress, the exchange of knowledge about the best practices in sustainable infrastructure development, and cooperation between global-scale projects, PII opens opportunities for Indonesian engineers to contribute to a larger scale and adopt the best practices that can be applied domestically. This international way is increasingly important in the era of technology and knowledge sharing takes place quickly.

PII uses this network to access the leading technology, get insight about the global industry trend, and build strategic partnership that can support national re-industrialization. This network also strengthens Indonesia's position in dealing with increasingly fierce global industry competition, as well as opening opportunities for Indonesia's high-tech products to the international market.

Development of Startup Ecosystems and Engineer -Based Technology

Facing the challenges of the global economy, PII developed a new initiative in supporting the technological startup ecosystem led by young Indonesian engineers. Through the technology incubation program, mentoring, and funding access, PII facilitates the birth of startups that focus on technology solutions to industry. This program includes the development of IoT applications for the manufacturing industry, digital platforms for supply chain management, and technology solutions for the renewable energy industry.

This initiative is in line with the spirit of re-industrialization that not only relies on large industries, but also develops diverse and innovative industrial ecosystems. PII acts as a connector between technological startups and the established industry, facilitating mutually beneficial collaboration and accelerating the adoption of technological innovation in the industrial sector.

The impact and contribution of concrete pii

Overall, the role of PII is very vital in supporting national re-industrialization in the midst of the global economic crisis. By strengthening the quality and capacity of engineers through education, training, innovation, and effective collaboration, PII helps accelerate the pace of sustainable and competitive industrial development. This real contribution is reflected in various achievements, ranging from the success of the downstream of nickel which produces trillions of rupiah added, to the development of the electric vehicle battery industry which places Indonesia as the main player in Southeast Asia.

This effort will not only strengthen the national economy, but also make a positive contribution to the independence of technology and the progress of the nation as a whole. In the context of the global economy that is predicted to experience slowing growth, the re-industrialized strategy supported by strong technical capacity is the key to maintaining Indonesia's economic resilience.

Future Strategies and Recommendations

To support its role optimally, PII needs to continue to expand the coverage of human resource development programs and technology, increase synergy with various stakeholders, and prioritize adaptation to rapid global changes.

Some strategic steps that need to be taken include: Development of Digital Skills Certification Programs for Engineers, Strengthening Partnership with Global Industries, and Creation of more integrated technology collaboration platforms.

PII also needs to strengthen its role in supporting government policies related to the development of green and sustainable industries, given the global trend that is increasingly leading to sustainable development. Thus, PII can be the frontline in delivering Indonesia towards a new and more resilient industrial era in the midst of the challenges of the world economy, while contributing to the achievement of Indonesia's targets as developed industrial countries in 2030.