"We discussed ways to synergize Singapore-Johor-Riau as a data center hub. This has strategic value for all of us," the minister stated on Tuesday.
He said the global community is shifting toward the digital sector as a new source of economic growth, relatively unaffected by current geopolitical tensions.
Optimizing the Singapore-Johor-Riau triangle is also part of strengthening the digital economy and supply chain among ASEAN countries, Hartarto added.
Apart from the triangle, Indonesia and Singapore are committed to strengthening the development of the Batam-Bintan-Karimun (BBK) zone, as well as the Nongsa Digital Park in Batam and the Kendal Industrial Park in Central Java, which are fully utilized and will be expanded further.
He also highlighted Nongsa Digital Park in Batam as an emerging national digital center due to its proximity to Singapore and reliable data center and telecommunication infrastructure support.
The top minister said that the move is in line with the increasing emphasis on digitalization and semiconductor development in global economic discourse, particularly in the United States, Europe, and ASEAN countries.
“In Europe, ASEAN, and even during discussions with the U.S. Trade Representative, digitalization and semiconductors have emerged as key areas of concern,” Hartarto said.
The Indonesian government, through Danantara Indonesia, and British semiconductor company Arm Ltd. have also committed to supporting the development of up to 15,000 Indonesian semiconductor talents in the next five years to support Indonesia's digital development.
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Translator: Aria Ananda, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Arie Novarina
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