Indonesian Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi has revealed that chief representatives of two U.S. computer giants − Microsoft and Apple − are scheduled to come to Jakarta to discuss further of investment plans in Indonesia.
Satya Nadella, a representative from Microsoft, and Tim Cook, a representative from Apple, have communicated with the Ministry of Communication and Informatics of their planned visit and programs.
“Microsoft wants to come on April 17, Tim Cook of Apple wants to come on April 20,” Budi said on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics Nezar Patria said the CEOs of Apple and Microsoft have both written that they have the intention to invest in Indonesia as well.
According to him, both companies will invest in human resources (HR) or digital talent and infrastructure. However, it was not specified what kind of infrastructure Microsoft or Apple would invest in.
“If they are interested in investing, we will open our hands and of course strengthen our own national strength,” Nezar said.
He hopes that the collaboration between the ministry and Microsoft and Apple can provide greater benefits, such as building the capacity and competence of digital talent in Indonesia.
The plan is that Tim Cook will review the Apple Academy in Indonesia. Apart from that, the Apple Academy will be inaugurated in Bali. So far, Apple Academy in Indonesia has been present in Serpong and Batam.
Meanwhile, Satya Nadella’s presence will discuss technology and knowledge transfer for Indonesia’s digital transformation, such as artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communication and Informagics and Microsoft have signed a memorandum of understanding in accelerating digital transformation and adopting AI technology in the government sector since March 14, 2024.
This memorandum of understanding covers several areas of cooperation, such as developing human resources in the digital sector, strengthening government infrastructure and digitalization, strengthening responsible AI governance, and strengthening the implementation and practice of personal data protection.
“The Indonesian government believes that multi-stakeholder collaboration is really needed, including through cooperation between the government and the private sector,” said Budi, on March 14, 2024.
Through this collaborative capital, it is believed that the government can access the latest expertise, resources and technological innovations in implementing digital policies.
Then, on the industrial side, it can open up new business opportunities, increase market access, and expand the range of services.
Apart from that, Budi emphasized that the signing of this memorandum of understanding is a form of real collaboration between the Indonesian government and global industry players to accelerate the progress of the country’s digital sector.
On the other hand, to pursue the dream of becoming a country with the strongest economy by 2045. For this reason, Indonesia must position itself as a strategic partner for global digital technology development and seriously encourage knowledge transfer and technology transfer, and hope to become a stepping stone towards a developed Indonesia.
