in order to reach fourth biggest nominal GDP in the world in 2045, we need to put more resources on technology development as well.
It will take a lot of fundamental changes within the next 10 years to be able to achieve that.
Let's start from the most obvious first: R&D funding. As I've stated several times in this forum, our R&D budget is pathetically low even compared to some, if not most, of ASEAN countries. It goes without saying that this needs to be increased and to be given higher priority, of which the latter is also related to:
Changing "common" Indonesian mindset about R&D or, in other words, shifting perception from prioritizing instant results or short-term profits into strategic and long-term investments. This should also be done in parallel with a serious attempt to reduce overly jingoistic mentality which is still common here.
(I mean, for example, it's good and all that PTDI can design and build N-219
based on C-212, or that PINDAD
with a lot of assistance from FNSS can produce Harimau tank - among some other "achievements" of our defense SoEs - but these facts should always be brought forward for the public to be able to see what those "achievements" really are.)
Next, we need a lot more of quality researchers and engineers especially the ones who are highly resourceful and creative, able to think "out of the box" while still disciplined enough to always create documentation of what they're doing. Granted, we already have a number of people with these qualities, but their potential is often stunted by the corporate culture where they're working - the worst offenders are most likely state-owned ones.
Last but not least, arguably also as one of the most important, is to give a lot more "breathing room" for our private companies so they can expand and innovate which eventually will give them an edge, a fighting chance to compete even against well-established foreign companies. It's even more important in the defense sector since our local private defense companies are still basically "tied" with our defense SoEs. So instead of functioning only as part suppliers for our SoEs as their "lead integrator", let our private defense companies grow and prove their worth themselves. In a nutshell, to give an illustration of a successful company, we should adopt a more SpaceX-like approach rathen than NASA in R&D.
Easier said and done, of course, since many won't like this because it will be more difficult for them to have their say and share.
Now to get back on topic at hand:
This...?
After A400m, I hope we (Indonesia side) develope probe system for IFX.
From a technical standpoint, I personally prefer that we only have probe system: It's simpler, can refuel two to three aircraft at once, and it's not overly difficult to convert existing civilian airliner to one should the need arise.
As for our F-16, we probably can modify our existing F-16 fleet with conformal fuel tank complete with probe refueling mechanism. It gets tricky if we really serious about F-15EX though. In theory, Boeing may be able to modify ours so they, too, can do the same. However, it will mean that we'll have to buy a lot of them - something that I don't think will happen for the foreseeable future.
isn't it ?
will slap it with "KARYA ANAK " sticker.
