Balikpapan - Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) has strengthened its coordination with Dhomber Air Base in preparation for the 2026 Indonesian Flying Robot Contest (KRTI). The meeting was held at Dhomber Air Base Headquarters in Balikpapan on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

The ITK delegation was welcomed by the Commander of Dhomber Air Base, Colonel (Pilot) I Gusti Ngurah Sorga Laksana, M.Han., and his staff. The ITK delegation included the Rector, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Vice Rector for Non-Academic Affairs, Head of Bureau, and members of the KRTI 2026 organizing team.

In his remarks, Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Sorga Laksana expressed Dhomber Air Base’s readiness to support coordination for KRTI 2026. This support will be essential in ensuring that all aspects of the event are thoroughly prepared, particularly those related to aviation activities and the use of Nusantara Capital City (IKN) as the competition venue.

During the meeting, ITK Rector Prof. Dr. Agus Rubiyanto, M.Eng.Sc. presented an overview of ITK and its role in advancing higher education, research, and technological innovation in Kalimantan. He also outlined the plans for KRTI 2026, with ITK serving as the host institution. The competition is scheduled to take place in IKN in September 2026.

KRTI is a national competition that provides university students with a platform to develop innovations in unmanned aerial vehicles and aviation technology. Hosting the competition in IKN is expected not only to create a prestigious national competition but also to showcase Kalimantan’s potential as a future hub for technology and innovation.

As a follow-up to the meeting, Dhomber Air Base will coordinate and conduct further consultations with the Indonesian Air Force Headquarters. This step is necessary to support licensing procedures, aviation safety, and the technical readiness of the KRTI 2026 venues.

The collaboration between ITK and Dhomber Air Base is expected to strengthen interinstitutional synergy and ensure that KRTI 2026 is conducted safely, smoothly, and successfully. Through this national competition, ITK also reaffirms its commitment to advancing aerospace technology and delivering meaningful contributions from Kalimantan to Indonesia.