Meutya Hafid and Singtel Discuss Connectivity, AI, and National Data Center
Public-private partnership to build Indonesia’s digital ecosystem
The government through the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) is opening up partnership opportunities with the private sector in building a digital ecosystem in Indonesia. This collaboration will cover various fields, such as developing data centers, implementing artificial intelligence (AI), to increasing internet connectivity in remote areas.
The statement regarding the public-private partnership scheme was conveyed by the Minister of Komdigi Meutya Viada Hafid when receiving a visit from the chairman of Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel), Lee Theng Kiat. During the meeting, they discussed strategic alliance opportunities aimed at strengthening the digital ecosystem in the field of data centers and digital connectivity.
One of the main focuses of the collaboration between the government and the private sector is the responsible development of AI. Meutya mentions Singapore as an example in AI governance. According to him, AI is the main concern in efforts to mitigate and embrace this new technology. He assessed that Singapore had started these steps earlier and became a role model for Indonesia.
“AI is one of our concerns about how to mitigate and embrace this new technology. Of course, Singapore in this case will be a role model for us because it has started earlier,” said Meutya.
In addition, Meutya assesses the importance of building a strong and collective digital ecosystem in the midst of global geopolitical challenges. He emphasized that there is no point in a country becoming strong if its neighboring countries are not empowered in this situation.
“We believe that the strength of the region will make us all more prepared to face the global digital challenge. And in this case, Singtel is a strategic partner that we really appreciate,” said Meutya.
Government Priority in Digital Connectivity
In addition to data centers and AI, Meutya also highlighted the importance of digital connectivity as the government’s fast priority in overcoming unreachable points or blank spots in the 3T region (developed, leading, and outermost). He emphasized the important role of Telkom, Telkomsel, and Singtel cellular operators in reaching unserved areas.
“One of our quick wins is to realize zero blank spots. We believe that close cooperation with Telkomsel and Singtel will accelerate this achievement,” said Meutya.
Public-private partnership scheme
Furthermore, Meutya explained that the public-private partnership scheme is also known as the Public-Private Partnership (PPP). One of the goals of this partnership is to expand the development of the National Data Center (PDN).
“The opportunity for PPP to be used as a national digital data center ecosystem,” he said.
According to Meutya, through public-private partnerships, the government will find it easier to build a digital ecosystem because it is assisted by various parties. Previously, PDN was only built by the government itself.
With this partnership, it is hoped that the digital ecosystem development process can be more efficient and effective. In addition, private sector participation will make a significant contribution in accelerating the development of digital technology in Indonesia.
