Collaboration in Action: How Global Talent is Shaping Indonesia’s Industrial Strategy

Technological sovereignty in Indonesia’s semiconductor industry can only be realized through strategic and high-quality collaboration between domestic stakeholders and the global diaspora network. A clear example of this constructive interaction has recently occurred, one that should serve as our collective blueprint.

The initiative began domestically, where a team of Indonesian academics from Universitas Prasetiya Mulya released a fundamental analysis: "Study on Market Potential and Strategic Feasibility of Building a Gallium Nitride (GaN) Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication Facility in Indonesia" [Kajian GaN di Indonesia.pdf]. This comprehensive study, which discussed geopolitical urgency, technical feasibility, and financial projections, demonstrates the seriousness of Indonesian stakeholders in documenting their strategic thinking in a written, open, and structured manner.

A response came from abroad, from fellow diaspora members organized under the Indonesian Strategic Network for Semiconductor Technology (INEST), a UK-based network. Instead of commenting in informal forums, INEST responded with the same level of professionalism: through a document titled, "Recommendations for the Development of a GaN Semiconductor Fab in Indonesia" [INEST_GaN fab.pdf].

The INEST document recognized the initial study as a valuable and thorough foundation for developing the GaN industry in Indonesia. They then offered deep, supplementary perspectives, demonstrating their technical expertise—for example, by suggesting a comparative study of other wide bandgap materials and the necessity of a more realistic initial phase in Human Resources development, such as overseas internship programs.

This interaction is the blueprint for the collaboration that we need. We saw a transparent exchange of ideas: A well-researched, open document from the domestic side, met by a specialized, written critique from the diaspora that prioritized objective, helpful input. This is the best way to close the knowledge and experience gap between Indonesian academia and the global network.

A Call to Action for the Diaspora

To all Indonesian diaspora members working or studying in the global semiconductor industry, we issue this call: Make this interaction the new standard.

Indonesia is currently reviewing and documenting strategic thinking into official papers. When studies, draft regulations, or national roadmaps are released by Indonesian ministries, agencies, or academia, we urge you to respond with the spirit of professionalism and expertise exemplified by INEST. Contribute your specific, experience-based, and constructive insights.

Let us ensure that every strategic semiconductor policy in Indonesia is built on the best possible foundation of collaboration between domestic talent and global expertise.