Indonesia’s digital transformation is receiving a significant boost through a new partnership between the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). The collaboration, announced on December 7, 2024, focuses on accelerating the country’s digital ecosystem, with particular emphasis on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Inclusive Financial Systems (IFS).

During a strategic meeting with BMGF representatives, Indonesian Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid highlighted the importance of these elements to build an inclusive, secure, and empowering digital environment. According to Meutya, leveraging data sovereignty is key to Indonesia’s digital self-sufficiency, as it will drive technological innovation and strategic decision-making.

"Utilizing local data for innovation, technology development, and strategic decision-making is essential for Indonesia’s digital independence," Meutya emphasized. "This collaboration is a major step toward realizing that goal."

The partnership is also aligned with the Indonesian government's commitment to digital literacy. Meutya stressed that increasing public understanding of data security, productive technology use, and digital financial management is critical for the country’s digital evolution.

The collaboration promises several concrete initiatives, including an increase in digital literacy efforts and the development of an efficient, secure, and integrated DPI. BMGF representatives Brooke Patterson and Kanwaljit Singh expressed their strong support for Indonesia’s digital transformation. They offered technical assistance to help develop DPI and shared best practices from other countries.

Moreover, BMGF advocates for a consent-based data governance model, which would empower Indonesian citizens as the owners of their personal data. This model could serve as a global example for data governance, ensuring inclusivity and security in the digital age.

“We believe Indonesia’s progress in digitalization can serve as a global model for inclusive and secure data governance,” said Singh, underscoring the potential global impact of the partnership.

As Indonesia works to enhance its digital infrastructure, the partnership with BMGF is expected to accelerate the country's transition to a fully digital economy—one that is secure, inclusive, and empowering for all citizens. With the continued support of international organizations like BMGF, Indonesia is on track to become a leader in digital governance in the ASEAN region.

BISNIS