Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, has called on Amazon Web Services (AWS) to further invest in Indonesia. Based on a report by Bisnis.com, the request aligns with the nation’s vision to become a digital economy leader in Southeast Asia.

Currently, AWS has committed $5 billion (approximately Rp81 trillion) to Indonesia since 2021. This investment supports data center expansion and other digital infrastructure projects. However, Meutya emphasized the need for a more balanced allocation of AWS investments within ASEAN, prioritizing Indonesia.

Speaking on Thursday (January 9, 2025), Meutya highlighted Indonesia’s robust growth potential in the digital sector. She projected a 260% increase in data center capacity over the next few years, creating an opportunity for AWS to scale its contributions.

“With a projected digital economy value of $130 billion by 2025, Indonesia is poised to lead the region,” Meutya stated. She further urged AWS to maximize its role in transforming Indonesia into ASEAN’s digital powerhouse.

AWS’s Head of Public Policy for Asia Pacific and Japan, Quint Simon, responded by reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to Indonesia. “Our $5 billion investment is the largest AWS has ever made globally,” he said. AWS plans to sustain this level of investment through 2036, including expanding cloud computing training and certifications for Indonesian talent.

AWS has already partnered with the Indonesian government through a memorandum of understanding, initially established from 2022 to 2024. This partnership has been extended to support the nation’s digital transformation goals and address the growing demand for skilled workers in the digital economy.

The collaboration also involves AWS's initiatives to build Indonesia’s digital ecosystem. This includes the creation of a regional AWS infrastructure hub designed to enhance connectivity and optimize digital operations.

Meutya reiterated that digital investment is not solely about capital. “Ensuring Indonesia becomes the digital leader in ASEAN requires contributions from global players like AWS,” she stated. This collaboration is expected to solidify Indonesia’s role as a major digital economy in the region.

SOURCE: BISNIS | PHOTO: KOMDIGI