Digital Economy Thriving, Deputy Minister Nezar Patria Encourages Permias Seattle to Participate

Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia's digital economy has excellent prospects and is expected to continue growing. Various reports indicate projections of the national digital economy's value reaching approximately USD 210 billion to USD 360 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, the projected contribution to the development of national digital talent could be equivalent to USD 303.4 billion.

Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Nezar Patria revealed that Indonesia's national digital economy's growth contribution increased by 6.2 percent annually to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is projected to reach 20.5 percent by 2045.

Therefore, Deputy Minister Nezar Patria invited the Indonesian Student Association in the United States (Permias) to prepare and actively participate in leveraging the national digital economy.

"The government is striving to optimize Indonesia's digital economy potential by accelerating digital transformation and developing national digital talent. So, today we met with Permias colleagues in Seattle, discussing digital economic growth, which is related to the Indonesia Digital Vision 2045," he said after the meeting with Permias Seattle, in Seattle, United States, on Sunday (04/28/2024) local time.

The Deputy Minister of Communication and Information stated that efforts to realize Indonesia Emas in 2045 cannot ignore global landscape developments. According to him, the current digital economic growth is quite aggressive, opening opportunities for Indonesia to become a significant player in Southeast Asia.

"In 2030, Indonesia is projected to need around 9 million digital talents. Together with Permias Seattle, we discussed the development of the digital industry here, in the United States, especially in Seattle as one of the growth centers of the industry and technology," he said.

Deputy Minister Nezar Patria mentioned that Indonesian-AS students in Seattle come from various fields of study. They generally focus on fields like Science Technology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mathematics. Some also concentrate on Operations and Supply Chain Management and Information Systems studies, as well as Financial Support Services.

"Of course, the knowledge they acquire is crucial to support global collaboration for digital talent development," he emphasized.

The Deputy Minister of Communication and Information expressed his pleasure in meeting Permias representatives from various generations, including Permias Chairman for the year 1986, Adron Yusuf, and current Permias Chairman Luis Endrika Umbupaty. Moreover, Deputy Minister Nezar Patria hoped for increased collaboration between students, professionals, and Indonesian diaspora in Seattle.

"This collaboration can be further enhanced with colleagues in the homeland, especially for the younger generation. Those who are building start-up companies in Indonesia can learn and exchange ideas and experiences to contribute to advancing the digital economy by 2030," he said.

After hearing the presentation on digital economic opportunities in Indonesia, Luis Endrika Umbupaty expressed his willingness to encourage Indonesian students studying in the United States, especially in Seattle, to return to their homeland.

"I invite Permias colleagues to fill the market in Indonesia. We are delighted to meet with Deputy Minister Nezar Patria to discuss advancing Indonesia. Representing Permias Seattle, we are very pleased to discuss with the Indonesian Government about digital technology development. With the developments in Indonesia, many job opportunities can be opened in the future," he said.

Luis recounted the challenges for young people continuing their studies in Seattle. One of the keys to success is enriching oneself with skills.

"For example, mastering English for communication and finding out about the education system applicable in the United States. So, we have to make adjustments, such as finding out in advance about how to enroll in classes here, how the class schedule on campus works, and so on," he explained.

In the meeting, Deputy Minister Nezar Patria was accompanied by Special Staff Riant Nugroho and Acting Director of Government Application and Informatics Services Aris Kurniawan. Meanwhile, Permias Seattle Chairman Luis Endrika Umbupaty was accompanied by Indonesian students, including Cathleen Annabelle Kasenda, Jessyln Putri Tilon, Kevin Pasha Sumitramiharja, Evander Hartanto, and Kent Jonathan Utomo.