Prof Erma Suryani ST MT PhD discussing the DAHANA App with STTAL Surabaya

Surabaya, ITS News —The North Natuna Sea, located on the national border, is an area rich in resources but vulnerable to territorial conflict. Responding to this issue, the community service team (abmas) of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) initiated a website-based system, Dashboard and Simulation Model 2.0 for Analysis of Defense Scenarios in the North Natuna Sea (DAHANA) App, which was demonstrated at the Indonesian Naval Technological College (STTAL) Surabaya, Tuesday (21/10).

The design of the DAHANA App is based on ITS’s commitment to taking part in strengthening the maritime defense and security system in the strategic region of the North Natuna Sea. Head of the DAHANA App abmas team Prof Erma Suryani ST MT PhD explained that the DAHANA App can be a solution as well as a preventive step in maintaining the defense of Indonesia’s territory. “This dashboard can become a tool to improve national defense and security,” she explained in the demonstration.

Prof Erma Suryani ST MT PhD (left) while discussing with STTAL Commander First Admiral TNI Dr Mukhlis ST MM after demonstrating the DAHANA App

The Professor from the Department of Information Systems ITS revealed that the dashboard is planned to be officially released in November 2025, coinciding with the 65th Anniversary (Dies Natalis) of ITS. This can be a momentum that proves ITS’s real contribution in supporting Indonesia’s maritime security and sovereignty through technological innovation.

Through the presence of this innovation, ITS emphasizes its commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This support is reflected especially in point 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; point 16 regarding Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions; and point 17, namely Partnerships for the Goals.

STTAL Commander TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) First Admiral (Laksamana Pertama) Dr Mukhlis ST MM in a discussion with ITS regarding the DAHANA App

Previously, Erma and her team had developed a similar system in 2024 called DASINA, which became the forerunner of the DAHANA App. This latest version comes with various updates and added features that make it more comprehensive and interactive. “The features have been adjusted to needs and technological developments,” she explained.

One of its flagship features is the Early Warning System, which displays real-time information on the number and types of ships entering the North Natuna Sea area. In addition, the dashboard is also equipped with various other menus, such as Sea Situation, Threats, and Policy Recommendations. There is also an online forum column that allows interaction between experts, policymakers, and system users.

The ITS team together with the STTAL Surabaya while discussing the North Natuna Sea Situation feature in the DAHANA App dashboard

The doctoral alumnus of National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) hopes that this application can be used by partners, namely STTAL Surabaya, along with parties who also want to contribute to safeguarding national sovereignty. “We hope users can utilize the features optimally and according to their respective needs,” she said optimistically.

Meanwhile, STTAL Commander First Admiral TNI Dr Mukhlis ST MM welcomed the innovation with enthusiasm. He hopes this application can continue to be developed so that its performance becomes more optimal, while also strengthening collaboration between STTAL and ITS. “This dashboard can become an analysis tool as well as support in national defense decision-making,” he said enthusiastically. (ITS PUBLIC RELATIONS)

Reporter: Nailah Rifdah Zakiyah