IKN - The 2026 Indonesian Flying Robot Contest (KRTI) officially opened in the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) area on Monday, September 21, 2026. Organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology through the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs (Belmawa), with Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) serving as the host university, the competition brings together finalists from 43 public universities across Indonesia to showcase their innovations in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.

KRTI is designed as a platform where technological innovations developed by the younger generation do not stop at the idea stage, but are instead tested, refined, and developed into practical solutions. Representing the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Director of Learning and Student Affairs Dr. Beny Bandanadjaja, S.T., M.T., emphasized that the competition is more than a showcase of technical skills.

“Unmanned aerial vehicles capable of mapping vast areas, reaching difficult evacuation points, and monitoring field conditions from the air are not merely competition objects. More importantly, these innovations represent real solutions that the country may increasingly rely on in disaster response and humanitarian operations,” Beny said.

ITK Rector Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Agus Rubiyanto, M.Eng.Sc., added that UAV technology has now moved far beyond its role as a recreational device.

“UAV technology has become an important instrument in various sectors, ranging from defense, mapping, disaster mitigation, environmental monitoring, and logistics to agriculture. We hope KRTI will not only produce champions, but also strengthen collaboration, friendship, and networks among Indonesia’s young innovators,” he said.

Held in IKN, a future-oriented city being developed with the principles of smart city technology and digitalization, KRTI 2026 provides a relevant setting for the emergence of new technological ideas from Indonesia’s younger generation. Head of the Nusantara Capital Authority, Basuki Hadimuljono, warmly welcomed the finalists arriving from across the country. According to him, their visit to IKN carries a broader meaning than simply taking part in a competition.

“Coming to IKN is certainly not only about seeing Nusantara, but also about bringing home and sharing stories about Nusantara. We hope the participants return with stories about the city of the future that we are building together,” Basuki said.

The opening ceremony of KRTI 2026 was also attended by a number of prominent figures, including Speaker of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, Member of the House of Representatives Hetifah Sjaifudian, the Deputy for Green and Digital Transportation at the Nusantara Capital Authority, the Commander of Dhomber Air Base, the Chief of the IKN Metropolitan Police, the Head of the East Kalimantan Regional Research and Development Agency, as well as government officials, public figures, and UAV experts from across Indonesia.

The opening was marked symbolically by the placement of a staff topped with a drone-like ornament, followed by the handover of the KRTI rotating trophy, a parade of finalists, and a showcase of research products from each participating team.

Through KRTI 2026, the government reaffirmed its commitment to providing a platform where homegrown innovations can grow into technologies that create meaningful impact for Indonesia’s future.