homeX
2026-11-05T09:07:01

AI on an IKN Construction Project: Heavy-Equipment Routing Saves 61,000 Litres of Fuel

AI用于印尼新首都工地：重型机械路线优化省油6.1万升

Using AI in construction projects at the Nusantara Parliament Complex in IKN has produced real numbers: heavy-haul distance fell 38.5%, site validation time fell 83% and more than 61,000 litres of fuel were saved. The key is regularly updated drone site data, with final decisions still made by engineers.

Key Facts

How AI in construction projects works at the IKN parliament site

According to ANTARA (9 October 2026), Bentley Systems CEO Nicholas Cumins explained at Year in Infrastructure 2026 in Singapore that the project team uses regularly updated location data to optimise heavy-equipment routes with AI. Each work scenario is validated in SYNCHRO software before it is executed, to avoid clashes on site.

KonstruksiTekno.id adds the details: drones produce a 3D digital twin of the site, and AI then evaluates options for material placement and mobilisation paths. Because earthworks change the site every day, equipment routes must keep adjusting, and automated calculation is faster here than manual planning.

The results

  • Site validation time down 83%.
  • Heavy-haul travel distance down 38.5%.
  • More than 61,000 litres of fuel saved.

The project, on about 42 hectares, is built by PT Hutama Karya (Persero) and won Founders' Honors in the Constructioneering category. Elsewhere in the IKN core area, the government also uses sensor-based automatic compactors, for example on the east side of Jalan Sumbu Kebangsaan.

AI still needs human judgement

Cumins stressed that AI can generate many design alternatives and optimisations quickly, but decisions on engineering, sustainability and risk still need an engineer's judgement because they affect public safety. He said 70% of this year's 336 award finalists already use AI, while across all submissions the share was 25%.

Is Indonesia's construction workforce ready?

The government is pushing these digital skills. On 26 May 2026 the Directorate General of Construction Development at the Ministry of Public Works and Glodon Indonesia launched the AI x 5D BIM Master Challenge 2026, with BIM training, AI use and certification opportunities. KonstruksiTekno.id notes that many road and dam projects still rely on manual daily reports for equipment hours and fuel, so the gap between priority projects and ordinary ones is still wide.

Lessons for contractors and material logistics

  • Start with data: regular drone imagery and GPS logs from equipment are the foundation before using AI.
  • Plan stockpile locations: placing sand, rebar or precast concrete in the right spot cuts haul distance.
  • Synchronise deliveries: building material deliveries should follow the work sequence on site so they do not pile up.

homeX, a one-stop building materials and furniture platform with warehousing and delivery, follows these developments to help projects plan material supply schedules.

AI in construction projects: related articles and products

FAQ

How much did AI save on the IKN parliament project? Heavy-haul distance fell 38.5%, site validation time fell 83%, and more than 61,000 litres of fuel were saved.

Which technologies were used? Drones for a 3D digital twin, AI to assess routes and material placement, and SYNCHRO to validate work scenarios.

Does AI replace engineers? No. The Bentley CEO said engineering and risk decisions still require human judgement.

For building and renovation material needs, reach the homeX team on WhatsApp +62 821 1818 998, by email at homex9998@gmail.com or through our contact page.

Sources: ANTARA, 9 Oct 2026; KonstruksiTekno.id, 10 Oct 2026; Directorate General of Construction Development, Ministry of Public Works, 26 May 2026