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Aerospace Industry Needs Ready-to-Work Human Resources, PTDI Strengthens Training Center

Bandung (BRS) – The national aerospace industry faces a challenge no less important than aircraft development: preparing human resources who possess skills aligned with industry needs. PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) aims to address this issue through the Dirgantara Indonesia Training Center, which has officially begun operations as a development hub for aerospace talent.

The inauguration of the training center took place on Saturday (August 29, 2026), marking PTDI's 50-year journey. Its presence is expected to narrow the gap between workforce competencies and the requirements of the aviation and defense industries.

PTDI President Director Gita Amperiawan stated that the company previously incurred high expenses to meet training and certification needs abroad. This situation prompted PTDI to build training capabilities domestically.

“Now we bring those qualification requirements here. From an expense, we turn it into revenue,” Gita said.

Since its soft launching in January 2026, Gita added, the training center has conducted 17 types of training with a total of 140 participants. Sixty of those participants were sent to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in South Korea to deepen their technical competencies, including metal forming, machining, and heat treatment.

Strengthening human resource competencies is becoming increasingly strategic as PTDI expands its product line and market reach. One key initiative involves the N219 aircraft, which is being directed toward the commercial aviation market.

The N219 aircraft was designed and developed by PTDI in collaboration with 16 domestic industries and six universities. The aircraft received its Type Certificate in December 2020 and features a Domestic Component Level (TKDN) of 44.69 percent.

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

For the defense sector, 42 N219 units are listed on order, including six units for the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), three units for the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), three units for Bakamla, and 30 units currently in the budgeting process for the Ministry of Defense.

Development is also underway for the amphibious version of the N219, which has been included in the National Strategic Project (PSN). This aircraft is projected to support archipelagic connectivity, including air ambulance services.

The demand for industry-standard talent has also gained government attention. Minister of Manpower Yassierli noted that 63 percent of companies still face difficulties in acquiring workers with the required skills.

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

The government is preparing a National Internship Program with a quota of 150,000 participants, alongside a National Vocational Training program for 300,000 individuals in 2026.

For PTDI, these steps highlight that human resource enhancement must proceed hand-in-hand with industrial growth. Advanced aircraft and technology require qualified experts who hold standard certifications and global experience.

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