Indonesian Government Targets Digitalization and Human Resource Development to Support Future Digital Economy

Jakarta, INTI – Amid the current geopolitical uncertainties, the Indonesian government continues to work on maintaining national economic stability by optimizing various growth engines, including downstream industries. In this context, the downstream processing of nickel has made a significant contribution, achieving export figures of over USD 30 billion in 2023. However, to address future technological challenges, the government sees the need for a new economic growth engine through digitalization.

Potential of Indonesia's Digital Economy

Indonesia's digital economy currently stands at USD 80 billion and is projected to continue growing with advancements in technology. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, emphasized the importance of developing skilled human resources (HR) to support this growth. In a breakfast meeting with the Chairperson of Tsinghua University, People's Republic of China, Prof. Qiu Yong, on Saturday (2/08), Minister Airlangga discussed the urgent need for skilled personnel in the technology sector.

“When discussing the digital economy, we need to strengthen our human resources. Therefore, it is crucial for Indonesian students to have the opportunity to study at top institutions like Tsinghua University, especially amidst geopolitical challenges and the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” said Minister Airlangga.

Vision 2045: Becoming a Developed Country

Minister Airlangga also outlined Indonesia's ambition to become a developed country by 2045. At that time, Indonesia is expected to have around 320 million people with a per capita income of approximately USD 26,000, making the total economy about USD 9 trillion. To achieve this vision, the government plans to enhance the quality of educational centers, particularly in innovation and technology, through collaboration with Tsinghua University.

Currently, the quota for Indonesian students at Tsinghua University is limited to 50. Minister Airlangga suggested increasing this quota to make the program more inclusive. Given the projected demographic bonus in the coming years, expanding opportunities for students to study abroad will be highly beneficial.

Need for Skilled Personnel in Digital and Semiconductor Fields

Minister Airlangga also highlighted the urgent need for skilled personnel in microchip design and semiconductors. Indonesia has the potential to become a hub for electric vehicles, fuel cells, and batteries. Therefore, enhancing capabilities in semiconductors is a priority.

“We need skilled personnel for the semiconductor sector. We hope Tsinghua University can support this development, both through study programs at the university and specialized training for trainers in Indonesia,” added Minister Airlangga.

Partnership and Cooperation with China

In closing his remarks, Minister Airlangga expressed hopes for strengthening partnerships with China in strategic sectors, including oil, technology, AI, climate change, carbon capture and storage, and reducing reliance on energy and fossil fuel imports.

The meeting was also attended by former Minister of Trade (2004-2011), Deputy for Macroeconomic and Financial Coordination, and Special Staff to the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs on International Economic Cooperation Strengthening.

Invitation to Attend INTI 2024

As part of efforts to advance technology and innovation, we invite you to attend Indonesia Technology and Innovation 2024 (INTI 2024), which will be held at JI-EXPO from August 12-14, 2024. INTI 2024 is the largest technology and innovation exhibition in Indonesia, offering opportunities to learn, network, and explore the latest innovations in technology. For more information, visit INTI 2024.