Accelerating Digital Economy, Ministry of Communication and Information Explores Joint Lab Opportunities

Jakarta, INTI - Minister of Communication and Information, Budi Arie Setiadi, is exploring collaboration opportunities for establishing a Joint Lab with Ant International.

According to Minister Budi Arie, this collaboration aims to accelerate the national digital economy, particularly concerning the implementation of payment systems for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Cross-Border Data Exchange (Data Free Flow with Trust/DFFT), and Generative Artificial Intelligence.

"We welcome Ant Financial to discuss collaboration in establishing a Joint Lab focusing on three main areas: financial services for MSMEs, cross-border data flow, and Generative AI," he said after receiving a visit from Ant International's Chief Executive Officer, Yang Peng, at the Ministry of Communication and Information office in Central Jakarta, Friday (19/04/2024).

According to the Ministry of Communication and Information, the establishment of the Joint Lab is aimed at accelerating the application of technology in financial service payment systems, especially for MSMEs.

"We understand that digital economy is crucial in the future. Therefore, payment systems need to be accelerated, especially for SMEs (Small-Medium Enterprises). Our focus is there, so that this digital transformation can proceed smoothly," he explained.

Regarding funding collaboration, cross-border data flow collaboration, and Generative AI technology development, both parties will discuss technology and knowledge transfer. This includes human resource development programs implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Information in the Digital Talent Scholarship Program and Digital Leadership Academy.

"So, human resource development, where there is a transfer of knowledge, transfer of technology, and so on," he emphasized.

Ant Group CEO and Senior Vice President Yang Peng welcomed the plan for a Joint Lab collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Information. He even hopes it will be a catalyst for the development of financial technology in Indonesia.

"I hope the Joint Lab can be a backbone in driving the development of Indonesia's fintech industry. It is planned to be established in Jakarta or Yogyakarta," he explained.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Communication and Information was accompanied by the Head of Human Resources Development Agency, Hary Budiarto, Special Staff of the Minister of Communication and Information, Sugiharto, Sarwoto Atmosutarno, and Dedy Permadi.

Meanwhile, Ant International CEO was accompanied by the Head of Antom Merchant Acquiring Services, Gary Liu, Head of International Government Affairs & Public Policy for Asia Pacific, Carrie Suen, and International Government Affairs & Public Policy Advisor for Indonesia, Noudhy Valdryno.