Minister Budi Arie Setiadi Encourages Telecom Industry to Harness New Technologies for Digital Transformation

Jakarta, INTI - In a bid to accelerate digital transformation, Indonesian Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Budi Arie Setiadi, has urged the telecommunications industry to leverage the latest technologies to enhance services. Speaking at the 11th National Conference of the Indonesian Telecommunications Society (MASTEL) with the theme "Digital Adaptation as the Foundation of Golden Indonesia 2045" at the Bidakara Hotel in South Jakarta on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Minister Budi Arie emphasized the importance of embracing new technological advancements.

“New technologies will enable us to maximize digital transformation in the telecommunications sector. We hope that the Indonesian Telecommunications Society (MASTEL) will also be involved, encouraging the use of continually evolving technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT),” he stated.

Minister Budi Arie cited several innovative examples, such as the UK-based startup Iotic, which provides cost-effective, responsive, and efficient communication protocol interoperability services. He also mentioned Axelio from the United States, which has developed edge computing with enhanced network performance at economical costs.

“In Spain, there is an innovative company called Satelion that uses satellite constellations as cell towers to operate IoT devices flexibly without hardware adjustments,” he added.

The Minister highlighted the need for the government and industry to adopt innovative, agile, and open-minded approaches to fully capitalize on digital transformation in telecommunications. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and stakeholders to achieve shared goals in the digital sector.

“We need to view the utilization of these future technologies as opportunities to propel the telecommunications sector forward rapidly,” he emphasized.

Minister Budi Arie also outlined the Ministry's launch of the Indonesia Digital Vision 2045, a comprehensive policy roadmap for national digital transformation. This document includes eight strategic imperatives: equitable connectivity and digital infrastructure, mastery of digital technology, data sovereignty and privacy protection, strengthening cybersecurity technology and ecosystem, building a digital society, creating adaptive regulations and institutions, increasing investment in the digital sector, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration.

“I call on everyone to have the spirit and optimism to realize Golden Indonesia 2045. With full optimism and spirit, we are confident we can achieve this vision,” he urged.

Prior to this, Minister Budi Arie praised MASTEL's contributions to advancing the telecommunications sector in Indonesia.

“I want to once again appreciate MASTEL's role as a network of stakeholders and a strategic partner of the government in advancing the telecommunications sector in Indonesia. MASTEL has shown high consistency in fostering collaboration and dedication to the nation,” he remarked.

During the event, there was a symbolic handover of PC Cloud Terminals to the Multi Media High School (STMM) Yogyakarta as part of the collaboration between MASTEL and STMM regarding the provision, operation, and utilization of the PC Cloud Laboratory for Digital Literacy.

Minister Budi Arie was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Technology Nezar Patria, Director General of Resources and Postal Devices Ismail, Head of the Human Resources Development Agency Hary Budiarto, and Special Staff to the Minister Widodo Muktiyo.