Indonesia, Russia Expand Strategic Collaboration in Digital Technology

Indonesia and Russia have agreed to enhance their strategic collaboration in communication and digital technology, thereby reinforcing their 75-year diplomatic ties. 

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria emphasized that the collaboration spans multiple sectors, such as the advancement of 5G cellular technology networks, broadband growth, digital ecosystems, e-commerce, postal services, and cutting-edge digital technologies. 

"We are open to cooperation in various possibilities, including telecommunications, digital ecosystems, e-commerce, postal services, and emerging technologies," he remarked following a discussion with Russian Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communication, and Mass Communication, Andrey Zarenin, in Jakarta. 

Patria highlighted Indonesia's commitment to improving international connectivity, particularly by increasing bandwidth for global internet and data transfer. He pointed out that Indonesia needs a rapid internet connection at an affordable price, similar to Russia, where users can get speeds of 100 Mbps for less than US$4. 

The deputy minister also voiced optimism for enhanced collaboration in the media sector to enable information sharing between Russia and Indonesia and improve digital competencies. 

At the same time, Deputy Minister Zarenin conveyed Russia's willingness to enhance collaboration with Indonesia in digital transformation. He is convinced that this can be achieved by sharing leading technologies and know-how, along with the formation of the Indonesia-Russia Joint Commission for Information Technology and Digital Society.

Zarenin similarly emphasized the chance for collaboration with top technology firms from Russia concerning fiber optic backbone network infrastructure solutions and Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology.