Indonesia Poised to Lead ASEAN’s Digital Transformation, Says Minister Meutya Hafid
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia is ready to position itself as the digital ecosystem hub of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid announced on Thursday. Speaking through a press release issued by her ministry, Hafid emphasized the nation’s strategic potential as a leading digital market in the region.
“Indonesia is a strategic market with potential larger than other ASEAN countries,” Hafid noted, underscoring the nation’s ambitions in the digital sector.
Strategic Collaboration with AWS
Highlighting Indonesia’s collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Hafid described the partnership as a cornerstone in the nation’s journey toward becoming the digital transformation center of ASEAN. Since its inception in 2022, the collaboration has addressed challenges related to digital transformation and talent development.
The partnership, recently extended beyond its initial term ending in 2024, aims to accelerate inclusive, empowering, and trusted digital initiatives.
During a meeting at the ministry’s Jakarta office on Wednesday, Hafid urged AWS to scale up its investments in Indonesia, citing the country’s growing data center capacity, which is projected to expand by 260% in the coming years.
Significant Investment and Commitment
AWS has already invested USD 5 billion in Indonesia since 2021 and has pledged long-term support with a 15-year investment plan extending to 2036. Quint Simon, AWS’s Head of Public Policy for Asia-Pacific and Japan, reaffirmed Indonesia’s priority status within AWS’s ASEAN investment strategy.
“The largest share of AWS’s investment has flowed to Indonesia,” Simon said, underscoring the nation’s strategic importance.
A Thriving Digital Economy
Indonesia’s digital economy, the largest in Southeast Asia, is projected to reach USD 130 billion by 2025. Hafid stressed the need for a balanced distribution of AWS investments in the ASEAN region, with Indonesia as the focal point.
Beyond infrastructure, AWS is contributing to the development of Indonesia’s digital talents through cloud computing training and certification programs, ensuring the workforce is equipped for the digital era.
Looking Ahead
Minister Hafid’s call for increased investment from major technology players like AWS aligns with Indonesia’s broader goals of digital empowerment and innovation. With its robust market, growing infrastructure, and strategic collaborations, Indonesia is set to lead ASEAN’s digital transformation, paving the way for sustained economic growth and technological advancement.
