Indonesia-Africa Forum 2024: Collaboration Opportunities in the Digital Sector Explored by Indonesia and Egypt
Bali – Indonesia has once again successfully hosted an international standard event. This time as the host of the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF-MSP) and the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF).
The Indonesian government is exploring opportunities for collaboration and cooperation in development in the digital sector with Egypt.
This was revealed by the Minister of Communication and Information (Menkominfo) Budi Arie Setiadi during a meeting with the Egyptian Minister of Information and Communication Technology Amr Talaat at the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (HLF-MSP) and the 2nd Joint Leaders Session of the Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) 2024, held at Pecatu Hall, Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Bali.
“The bilateral meeting today aims to explore the potential for cooperation in the development of digital infrastructure and the enhancement of the capacity of the younger generation in both countries,” explained the Minister of Communication and Information.
Various efforts and achievements of Indonesia in digital infrastructure development, covering almost 98 percent of the national population, were explained by the Minister of Communication and Information during the meeting. Currently, 177,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables have been built, along with 34 data centers and 265,900 base transceiver stations (BTS), including 1,000 5G BTS.
According to the Minister of Communication and Information, there is a similarity in policies and management of information and communication technology issues in Egypt that involves various ministries and agencies.
“The ICT policy in Egypt focuses on three main pillars: digital transformation, digital skills and jobs, and digital innovation,” he stated.
In that meeting, Minister Budi Arie offered opportunities for cooperation in the development of 5G network connectivity and investment in the Nusantara Capital. (IKN).
Meanwhile, Amr Talaat conveyed the appreciation of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi for the warm welcome from the Indonesian Government.
According to him, the strategic and historical relationship that has existed between Egypt and Indonesia.
“Egypt was the first country to recognize Indonesia’s independence in 1945, and this relationship has developed significantly,” he emphasized.
Minister Talaat expressed Egypt’s commitment to expanding cooperation, particularly in the development of underwater cables and the training of digital human resource capacity.
He mentioned that Egypt offers opportunities to enhance digital connectivity through undersea cables.
“We invite the young generation of Indonesia to experience the benefits of the training programs we conduct,” he stated.
In the bilateral meeting, Minister of Communication and Information Budi Arie Setiadi was accompanied by the Director General of Public Information and Communication Prabunindya Revta Revolusi, Secretary of the Directorate General of Public Information and Communication Mediodecci Lustarini, Director of Public Communication Partnership Governance of the Directorate General of Public Information and Communication Hasyim Gautama, and Director of Political, Legal, and Human Rights Information and Communication Marroli J. Indarto. Meanwhile, Egypt’s Minister of ICT Amr Talaat, accompanied by Egypt’s Ambassador to Indonesia Yasser Elshemy, Assistant Minister for ICT Strategy and Implementation Shereen Ahmed Awad Elguindy, and Director of International Relations Samah (Atia) Aziz.
