|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Minister of Communication and Information Technology (Menkominfo), Budi Arie Setiadi, has announced that the Indonesian government is exploring digital cooperation with Finland across three critical areas. The partnership with Finland presents Indonesia with a promising opportunity to receive technological support for future development.
At the 10th World Water Forum, held at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre (BNDCC) in Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali, on May 20th, this potential collaboration was a significant topic of discussion. Menkominfo Budi Arie Setiadi expressed optimism about the meeting, emphasising that the 70-year-long bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Finland provides a strong foundation for future cooperation.
“We hope this collaboration will continue. Our countries have been partners for seven decades, which is a significant period for cooperation,” Budi remarked.
Earlier in 2024, Finland had initiated discussions on digital cooperation with Indonesia. On January 30th, Menkominfo Budi Arie Setiadi hosted Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wille Rydman, to explore collaboration on digital infrastructure.
The focus on digital technology in the prospective partnership includes several crucial aspects:
Digital transformation is at the forefront of the collaboration. Finland’s expertise in creating efficient, secure, and user-friendly digital solutions can significantly benefit Indonesia. Finnish tech companies are renowned for their innovations in various digital domains, such as e-governance, digital education platforms, and health tech. By leveraging these technologies, Indonesia can enhance its public services, making them more accessible and efficient for its citizens.
The establishment of a National Data Centre is another pivotal area. As data becomes increasingly integral to decision-making and governance, the need for a robust and secure data infrastructure is paramount. Finland’s experience in building and managing data centres can provide a blueprint for Indonesia. This partnership could lead to the development of data centre in Indonesia, ensuring the safe storage and management of vast amounts of data generated by the government and private sector.
Given Indonesia’s vulnerability to natural disasters, the focus on Public Protection for Disaster Relief is highly relevant. Finland’s advanced PPDR systems can help Indonesia improve its disaster response capabilities. These systems include early warning mechanisms, real-time communication networks, and efficient coordination tools that are crucial during disaster management.
The collaboration with Finland opens up new avenues for Indonesia to tap into advanced technological innovations. Finnish companies are at the cutting edge of several emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity. For Indonesia, partnering with these companies can accelerate the adoption of these technologies, fostering innovation and competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Another critical aspect of this cooperation is building digital capacity in Indonesia. Finland’s education system is globally recognised for its excellence, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Through joint initiatives, Indonesia can benefit from Finland’s educational methodologies, enhancing its digital literacy and workforce capabilities. This aspect of the partnership can involve exchange programmes, joint research projects, and the development of specialised training programmes tailored to Indonesia’s needs.
The exploration of digital cooperation underscores the strong bilateral relations between Indonesia and Finland. As both countries navigate the complexities of the digital age, their partnership can serve as a model for international technology cooperation. This collaboration is not just about technological advancement but also about fostering mutual understanding and cooperation in addressing global challenges.
The potential digital cooperation between Indonesia and Finland represents a strategic move towards enhancing Indonesia’s technological landscape. By tapping into Finland’s advanced technological expertise, Indonesia can make significant strides in digital transformation, data management, and disaster relief. This partnership promises to not only bolster Indonesia’s digital infrastructure but also strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two nations, paving the way for future collaborations in various domains.
