On Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, the Innovatiecluster Drachten (ICD) welcomed an international delegation from the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). in the SKILL building in Drachten. The visit was part of a multi-day program of the Indonesian Technical University at the University of Groningen (RUG).

High visit from Indonesia

The delegation consisted of:

• Prof. Tatacipta Dirgantara, Rector ITB
• Prof. Edwan Kardena, Vice-Chancellor
• Dr. Endra Gunawan, Director of Partnerships

Under hospitality of Prof. Bayu Jayawardhana (RUG) they were received by Joost Krebbekx, program manager of the ICD.

Themes: ecosystem, autonomy and human capital

The meeting focused on the development of the high-tech ecosystem in the Northern Netherlands. Topics covered included:

• Autonomous (factory) systems
• Human capital and talent development
• Managing an innovative ecosystem

This gave the delegation a picture of how the Northern Netherlands works on technological innovation and talent development within the high-tech domain.

Presentations by EngD candidates

To also highlight international cooperation around EngD pathways, short presentations were given by four current EngD candidates:

• Damien Dufour
• Kliment Mladenoski
• Jesse Roorda
• Leila Hossein Abadi

They showed what innovative assignments are being worked on within the cluster, and what opportunities exist for international students and interns.

Visiting labs in SKILL

Concluding the visit was a tour of the facilities in SKILL, including:

• the 3D printing and cobot lab,
• and the MAS lab, where Bas Tijsma, Bass Cutters and Taco Hacquebord presented the latest developments in NXT GEN flexible robotic cells.

Opportunities for international cooperation

ITB Bandung's visit underscores the international character of the ICD and the growing cooperation between the Northern Netherlands and Southeast Asia. Sharing knowledge and exploring joint programs creates opportunities for international internships, research projects and innovation projects.