Minister M. Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara noted the data center development in Nongsa as crucial momentum for Batam to harness its potential to emerge as Indonesia’s hub for the digital economy and technology in the future.
“Investments must deliver tangible benefits to people. The most important thing lies not in their value but in how much benefit the community can reap from them,” he said in a statement cited here on Thursday.
According to Iftitah, the state must ensure that economic development translates into job creation, improves public welfare, and ignites hope for progress.
He affirmed the ministry’s commitment to nurturing workers equipped with industry-required skills through programs focused on capacity building and strengthening work ethics.
“We must ensure that Indonesian people, particularly the younger generation, are capable of taking part in global digital economy transformation. Hence, it is important to hone competencies while upholding integrity,” he stated.
The minister also underlined the importance of extending the benefits of Indonesia’s transmigration drive to both local residents and newcomers in transmigration zones.
He expressed confidence that empowering local residents through the investment project could generate multiplier effects, ranging from lowered unemployment and increased incomes to reduced poverty.
This approach, he continued, is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to implement Article 33 of the 1945 Constitution, which mandates the state to direct the economy toward public welfare.
“We cannot afford to let entrepreneurs and investors be the sole beneficiaries of development. Local communities must also benefit from it,” the minister stressed.
He also commended the Batam municipal government for building investor confidence and steering the city toward becoming the national digital economy center.
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Translator: Uyu Liman, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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