Nowadays, technology in the mining industry has become an enabler in enhancing safety, efficiency, and productivity.
Therefore, ITM continues to adopt various technological advancements in the mining sector, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) supported by 5G infrastructure.
During the Indosat AI Day for Mining Industry forum held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Kempinski Grand Ballroom, Jakarta, Mr. Ignatius Wurwanto, ITM's ESG Director, stated that technology plays an essential role in overcoming various operational challenges.
"Transformation is inevitable. We cannot avoid technology because it is the only way to increase productivity and efficiency," said Mr. Wurwanto, addressing an audience of stakeholders in the mining sector.
According to him, digital transformation in the mining industry is no longer an option but necessary to face global competition.
In response, ITM has developed the Digital Capability Center since 2018 to support comprehensive digital transformation.
Nowadays, ITM has developed more than 58 use cases covering various operational aspects such as predictive maintenance, inventory optimization, and coal quality management. The economic value of ITM's digital transformation initiatives is approximately USD 50 million, with increasing employee participation.
Mr. Wurwanto also emphasized the importance of human resources in supporting this transformation. "The right people must support good technology. At ITM, we always strive to prepare our team for these changes," said Mr. Wurwanto.
Challenges of AI and 5G Technology
At the same event, Wei Peng from Huawei explained the challenges in implementing 5G and AI in the mining industry, particularly in building network infrastructure that supports technologies such as autonomous vehicles and remote monitoring systems.
"We must ensure that the 5G infrastructure can support technologies like autonomous vehicles and remote monitoring. Without a strong network, all these technologies will not be effective," explained Wei Peng.
This highlights the importance of collaboration between technology providers and mining operators to ensure the success of digital transformation.
Meanwhile, Head of Enterprise PT Indosat Tbk, Ganda Pradita, explained Indosat's role in providing infrastructure solutions to support digital transformation in the mining industry. He emphasized that 5G is crucial in accelerating the adoption of more advanced technologies in the mining sector, supported by a smart ecosystem that includes smart applications, human resources, and digital infrastructure.
