Indonesian Minister Budi Arie Setiadi Welcomes UK Minister John Glen to Discuss Digital Collaboration

Jakarta, INTI - Indonesian Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Budi Arie Setiadi, welcomed UK Minister for the Cabinet Office, John Glen, for discussions on potential digital collaboration between the two nations. The meeting took place at the Ministry's office in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

“I am very hopeful that this meeting will facilitate the exchange of beneficial views, foster greater understanding, and pave the way for potential collaborations between our countries,” Minister Budi Arie stated.

Minister Budi Arie highlighted the critical role of digital technology in enabling cross-sector development. Citing World Bank data from 2022, he noted that the digital sector contributed 15% to the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), growing 2.5 times faster over the past decade compared to the physical world GDP.

“The growth rate in Indonesia is projected to drive national economic growth to 6.2% per year by 2045,” he added. “Digital transformation is expected to contribute 20.7% to Indonesia's GDP.”

Minister Budi Arie also emphasized the breakthrough and transformation brought about by new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various sectors. “AI has become a global issue. Only 37 countries worldwide have issued regulations related to the developing AI,” he remarked.

He assured that the Indonesian government is responsive to AI technological advancements, referencing the Ministry's Circular No. 9 of 2023 on AI Ethics Guidelines. “As a developing country, Indonesia is actively involved in many international forums discussing this technology, including the AI Safety Summit organized by the UK in Bletchley in 2023,” he noted.

During the meeting, Minister Budi Arie expressed enthusiasm for exploring cooperation opportunities with the UK government. “I am confident this meeting will explore our direction towards future cooperation potential,” he said.

Minister Budi Arie was accompanied by Secretary-General Mira Tayyiba, Director-General of Resources and Postal Devices Ismail, and Director-General of Informatics Applications Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan. UK Minister John Glen was accompanied by the British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste Dominic Jermey, Special Advisor to the Minister Mark, Minister's Secretary Ophelia, and Head of the Political Team at the British Embassy Sam Perkins.