Indonesian Minister Budi Arie Setiadi Attends Bilateral Meeting with DCO in Geneva to Discuss Digital Economy Acceleration

Geneva, INTI – On Monday, May 27, 2024, Indonesian Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Budi Arie Setiadi, attended a bilateral meeting with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting focused on accelerating and sustaining the digital economy in Indonesia and globally.

Held at 10:00 AM local time at the Geneva International Convention Center (CICG), the meeting saw Minister Budi Arie and a delegation from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kemenkominfo) meet with DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al Yahya and her team.

“Indonesia is a vast country made up of thousands of islands. This poses a significant challenge for us in building a digital economy. We are committed to ensuring no one is left behind,” stated Minister Budi Arie during the meeting.

Commitment to Digital Economy Growth

Minister Budi Arie emphasized the Indonesian government's commitment to enhancing the digital economy to reduce economic disparities and promote digitalization both in Indonesia and other developing countries. Highlighting this commitment, he announced the launch of Indonesia’s e-government initiative earlier that day in Jakarta.

The minister and his team also stressed the importance of solidarity in advancing the interests of developing countries in the Global South.

Accompanying Minister Budi Arie were Director General of Post and Information Technology, Wayan Toni Supriyanto, and Special Staff members Sarwoto, Dedy Permadi, Daniel Hutagalung, and Jobpie Sugiharto.

DCO's Role and Challenges in Digitalization

DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al Yahya explained that the DCO is continually promoting and developing digitalization and the digital economy in many countries. She discussed the challenges faced by developing nations in Africa and the Middle East, noting, “We are also committed to encouraging the participation and contribution of women in the digital economy.”

During the meeting, Deemah invited Minister Budi Arie to attend the DCO General Assembly, which will be held in Amman, Jordan, in February 2025. In response, Minister Budi Arie extended an invitation to Deemah to attend the inauguration of Indonesia's National Data Center in Cikarang at the end of August.

Strengthening International Digital Cooperation

This meeting marks a significant step towards strengthening international cooperation in the digital sector. By sharing insights and strategies, both parties aim to address common challenges and harness opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As Indonesia continues to push forward with its digital transformation initiatives, the support and collaboration from international bodies like the DCO will be crucial in achieving sustainable growth and inclusivity in the digital economy.