History of Computer in Indonesia

Computer is a device used to process the data based on a command. The word computer
originally used to describe people who like to do arithmetic, with or without tools, but this
word then transformed into the machine itself. The origin, information process almost
exclusively related with arithmetic problem, but modern computer used for many tasks, which
are not related to arithmetic.
Widely, a computer can be defined as an electronic device that consisted of several
components that can work each other to produce information based on program or existing
data. Now, the computers components are: monitor screen, CPU, keyboard, mouse and
printer. Without printer, computer still can do the task as the data processor, but only limited
to something that is on the screen, not in printout form.
In that definition, there are several tools like slide rule, a kind of mechanic calculator from
abacus and so on until contemporary electronic computer.
Nowadays, computer is becoming more sophisticated. There are 5 generations in computer
history:
a. First Generation Computer (1944-1959)
Vacuum tube as the signal amplifier is identity of first generation computer. Originally,
the vacuum tube was used for signal amplifier component. The material consists of
glass, so it has lot of weakness, like: easy to break, and easy to distribute heat. The heat
needs to be neutralized by other component that functioned as cooler.
b. Second Generation Computer (1960-1964)
Transistor is the identity of second-generation computer. The material consists of 3
layers, which are: basic, collector, and emitter. Transistor stands for transfer resistor,
which means by affecting the endurance between 3 layers, so the resistor on the next
layer can be affected. Thus, the function of transistor is as the signal amplifier. As solid
component, transistor has a lot of excellence like, hard to break, hard to distribute heat.
Therefore, the existing computer become smaller and cheaper
c. Third Generation Computer (1964-1975)
The smaller and cheaper concept from transistor finally pushes people to do research. A
thousand transistors finally successfully combined into one tiny form. As small as silica
successfully created, and this is called integrated circuit (IC) which is the identity of third
generation computer. The magnetic ring can be magnetized in one way or two way, and
in the end give the on or off signal which translated into 0 and 1 concept in binary
number system that needed by computer. In every memory field there are 924
magnetic rings that every ring represent 1 bit information. Million-bit information
nowadays is in one chip with a tiny form. The first computer that used for automation
introduce firstly in 1968 by PDC 808, which have 4 KB memory and 8 bits for memory
core.
d. Fourth Generation (1975-now)
Microprocessor is the characteristic of fourth generation computer that is compaction
of thousand ICs intro a chip. Because of form that getting smaller and the capabilities
have been increased. Microprocessor is the beginning of personal computer birth.
In 1971, Intel Corp develops first microprocessor 4004 series. The example of this
generation is Apple I Computer, which developed, by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs in a
way to put in microprocessor onto computer circuit board. Beside that, then appears
TRS Model 80 with Motorola 68000 processor and Zilog Z-80 using 64 Kb RAM.
In Indonesia computer has been used even before the electronic computer as it is now. IBM,
who was named Watson Bedrifsmachine Java NV sold a data processing machine to the
Spoorwagens Staat, now PT. Kereta Api (Indonesian Railways Company) in 1937. After that
there are no records about computer in Indonesia until in 1956 Bank Indonesia, Central Bank
for the Republic of Indonesia, bought the UNIVAC 1004 from USA.
In 1962 the first computer was used in Oil Company. PT. Stanvac in Palembang bought an IBM
1401. The same computer also was used by Indonesian Army in 1964. Characteristic of
computer users in 1960s still revolves around the government agencies, because computers in
that era still a large-scale system and expensive. After that, request for installation and use
of computers equipment was increasing, especially in government agencies so that
the government felt the need to regulate the use of computers equipment by establishing a
board known as BAKOTAN (State Administration Automation Coordinating Board) on July 4,
1969 which serves as consultant for agencies that will buy or lease computer equipment.
In 1972 PT. Pertamina, a state owned oil company, handed over their old computer, the IBM
1401 to the Institute of Technology Bandung as the capital to form the ITB computer center. In
addition, from 1973 until early 1980s there were several government agencies that use more
than one unit of computer such as Pertamina, PLN (State Electric Company), Garuda Indonesia
(flag carrier of Indonesia), etc.
Since the rise of PC usage in the early 80s, there were increasing number of companies and
individuals who use computers in Indonesia in 1980s. Computers are commonly used in that
time was a computer made by IBM of America. Which is known as the IBM compatible with
model XT.
With the release of Intel 486 DX, Intel was collaborating with Microsoft to invite other
companies for different parts of the world such as Japan and China to catch up with computer
technology. Furthermore, end of 1990s might be said to be a paradise era of computer
technology in Indonesia. Market was flooded by much cheaper assembled computers.
The emergence of portable computer technology also received a good response from the
peoples of Indonesia. High price made the second laptop from Japan or America to be the
favorite choice in the late 1990s to early 2000s.
Internet development in Indonesia that began to bloom in early 2000s was marking the rise of
the computer industry in Indonesia. Internet era gave rise to a new type of computer, Netbook.
Netbook became popular when Asus launched Eee PC in 2007. In addition, Netbook was
received good responses because the price is relatively cheaper.
Lastly, smart mobile device became popular when Apple launched iPhone in 2007 and iPad in
2010. People can work more mobile than before. They can send and receive email anytime and
anywhere. Also with widespread use of social media and instant messaging push smartphone
and tablet sales. Nowadays, smartphones and tablets sales exceed computer sales.













References
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