Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government is open to investment cooperation for the development of 5G digital connectivity as part of strengthening the national digital infrastructure, Communication and Information Minister Budi Arie Setiadi has said.

The investment could come from anywhere and is expected to boost the pace of the national digital transformation, a vision that the government has been working toward since 2021, he added.

"We are ready to cooperate with industry pioneers such as China Mobile, and other global and domestic stakeholders," he said while attending the "China Mobile SEA Cooperation Conference" here on Friday.

As of early September 2023, in Indonesia, 5G networks are only available in 49 cities, and there are still many potentials to be developed, he informed.

According to Setiadi, as part of 5G technology utilization innovation, the government is planning to use the technology as a foundation to carry out a digital revolution in several industrial sectors, such as those involved in smart underground mining, smart manufacture, and telescopic surgery.

He said that to make the development more optimal, Indonesia has opened up opportunities for various parties to share knowledge, good practices, and to collectively tackle challenges in the implementation of 5G technology

During the conference on Friday, he also underscored Indonesia's digital economy potential. Even though it has not been fully supported by 5G networks, the country's digital economy has grown rapidly amid hard times.

The minister emphasized that with Indonesia's huge market potential, the government's commitment to fostering a business environment with investors for 5G technology is positive.

"(This) makes Indonesia an attractive destination for those who want to invest and innovate in the telecommunications sector," he added.

He then invited players in the telecommunication technology industry to collaborate and jointly create a digital world that empowers the community.

He lauded the forum for bringing together experts and leaders from around the world to support the growth of digital infrastructure that can potentially improve economic growth globally.

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Translator: Livia Krsitianti, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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