한국항공우주산업(KAI)이 인도네시아와의 방산 협력을 인력 양성 분야로 확장하며 실질적인 성과를 거두고 있다. KAI는 인도네시아 인력 양성 전문업체
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KAI Nurtures First Aviation Specialists in Connection with Korea-Indonesia Defense Cooperation
First batch of trainees from Indonesia Academy sent to Korea… Expected to ease labor shortages for partner companies
[Jakarta = Reporter Kang Yeon-man] Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is achieving tangible results by expanding its defense cooperation with Indonesia into the field of
human resource development.
On December 19, KAI held a graduation and dispatch ceremony for the 1st batch of the 'KAI Suppliers' Overseas Talent Training Academy' at the Swiss-Belresidence Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia, in collaboration with PT PDS (Prima Duta Sejati), an Indonesian human resource development specialist.
The event was attended by Lee Yong-gi, Head of KAI's Shared Growth Cooperation Department; Maxixe Mantofa, CEO of PT PDS; Mukhtarudin, the Indonesian Minister of Protection of Migrant Workers; and 12 graduates from the first academy class.
This program is the first fruit of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between KAI and PT PDS in February to "train and supply overseas specialized personnel for KAI suppliers." PT PDS selected high-quality personnel with prior experience working in the Korean manufacturing sector who met specific career requirements, providing them with customized training tailored to the needs of KAI’s partner companies.
KAI and its suppliers have been exploring ways to utilize overseas specialists in conjunction with the "Aviation Part Manufacturer (E-7-3)" visa category, which was newly established in May 2024. The plan aims to resolve the chronic labor shortages faced by domestic aviation component manufacturers and stabilize the supply chain.
KAI previously produced its first batch of graduates from a Vietnamese training academy in July 2024. With this Indonesian academy, KAI is expanding its overseas manpower supply base across Southeast Asia. Currently, about 50 graduates from the Vietnamese academy are employed and working at seven partner companies, including Yulgok, S&K Aerospace, Songwol, Mirae Aero, and Kencoa Aerospace.
The 12 graduates from the 1st Indonesian Academy will be issued work visas sequentially starting in December and will be deployed to domestic aviation component manufacturers (KAI suppliers) starting in January 2026.
Lee Yong-gi, Head of KAI's Shared Growth Cooperation Department, stated, "It is meaningful that this project, launched to resolve labor shortages for our partners by utilizing Indonesia's rich human resources and excellent aviation infrastructure, has led to practical results. We expect these individuals to play a crucial role in strengthening the domestic aerospace industry ecosystem."
Maxixe Mantofa, CEO of PT PDS, said, "We will contribute to the development of the aerospace industries of both countries through continuous cooperation with KAI. We will actively support Indonesian highly-skilled workers so they can fully demonstrate their capabilities in the Korean aviation industry."
Mukhtarudin, the Indonesian Minister of Protection of Migrant Workers, also emphasized, "I would like to thank KAI and PT PDS for their efforts in dispatching the first batch of the Indonesia Academy. The government will also do its best to ensure a steady supply of excellent talent to KAI's partner companies."
Meanwhile, KAI plans to continue strengthening the competitiveness of its partners by nurturing overseas talent and further solidifying defense and aerospace cooperation between Korea and Indonesia.
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