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Aerospace Industry Needs Job-Ready Talent, PTDI Strengthens Training Center

Bandung (BRS) – Indonesia’s national aerospace industry faces a challenge that is no less important than aircraft development: preparing human resources (HR) with skills that truly meet industry requirements. PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) is addressing this challenge through the Dirgantara Indonesia Training Center, which is now officially operating as an aerospace human resources development center.

The training center was inaugurated on Saturday (August 29, 2026), coinciding with PTDI’s 50th anniversary. Its establishment is expected to help narrow the gap between workforce competencies and the needs of the aviation and defense industries.

PTDI President Director Gita Amperiawan said the company has historically had to spend significant amounts on training and certification for its workforce overseas. This situation encouraged PTDI to develop its own training capabilities domestically.

“Now, we are bringing those qualification requirements here. We are turning what was previously an expense into a source of revenue,” Gita said.

Since its soft launch in January 2026, Gita added, the training center has conducted 17 types of training programs involving a total of 140 participants. Of these, 60 participants were sent to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in South Korea to further develop their technical competencies, including metal forming, machining, and heat treatment.

Strengthening human resource competencies has become increasingly strategic as PTDI expands its product development and market reach. One such effort is the N219, which is now being positioned for entry into the commercial aviation market.

The N219 is an aircraft designed and developed by PTDI with the involvement of 16 domestic industries and six universities. The aircraft obtained its Type Certificate in December 2020 and has a Domestic Component Level (TKDN) of 44.69 percent.

PTDI currently holds effective contracts for four commercial N219 aircraft. One of the contracts is with PT Mitra Aviasi Perkasa (MAP), while the other three are related to an agreement involving North Bali International Airport.

In the defense sector, 42 N219 aircraft are currently listed in the order pipeline, including six units for the Indonesian Army, three units for the Indonesian Navy, three units for the Indonesia Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla), and 30 units that are still undergoing budget allocation processes at the Ministry of Defense.

Development is also underway for the amphibious version of the N219, which has been included in the National Strategic Program (PSN). The aircraft is projected to support connectivity across Indonesia’s archipelagic regions, including air ambulance operations.

The availability of industry-standard human resources is also a government priority. Minister of Manpower Yassierli said that 63 percent of companies are still experiencing difficulties in finding workers with the skills they require.

“Skill, not school. What matters is what you can do and what you have actually done,” Yassierli said.

The government is preparing the National Internship Program with a quota of 150,000 participants, as well as the National Vocational Training Program for 300,000 people in 2026.

For PTDI, these initiatives demonstrate that strengthening human resources must go hand in hand with industrial growth. Advanced aircraft and technologies require skilled professionals with the appropriate competencies, certifications, and experience in line with global standards.

Source: https://bandungradiostreaming.com/2026/08/29/industri-kedirgantaraan-butuh-sdm-siap-pakai-ptdi-perkuat-pusat-pelatihan/