During a working visit to Singapore for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) 2024, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto met with several technology sector entrepreneurs on June 5. At the Ritz Carlton Hotel Singapore, Minister Airlangga emphasized to CEO BW Digital Mr. Ludovic Hutier, CTO and MD PDG Mr. Asher Ling, and MD and Head of Data Centre GAW Capital Mr. Kok-Chye Ong the importance of establishing Batam as a primary hub for international and domestic fiber optic cable networks. This is crucial for Data Center investments that require new fiber optic cables and diverse routes, supported by the cable landing points at Nongsa Digital Park, Batam. Airlangga highlighted Batam's potential as a competitive location for the digital industry ecosystem, with Data Center investments totaling around USD 3 billion. He also discussed the need for environmentally friendly water and energy, proposing the supply of hydro power from Sumatra to Batam to enhance Data Center capacity, positioning Batam as a more attractive investment destination.
The meeting also revealed that Data Center development in Indonesia is expanding to cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, Cikarang, and Pekanbaru. The preparation of digital talent is essential for managing future digital technology effectively. Various foreign digital talent academies in Indonesian cities aim to meet the demand for skilled digital professionals. Minister Airlangga stressed the focus on talent development to equip Indonesians with skills to manage AI. He was accompanied by Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Suryopratomo, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Susiwijono Moegiarso, Spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Haryo Limanseto, and Deputy Assistant for Multilateral Economic Cooperation Ferry Ardiyanto. This visit underscored Indonesia's commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure and talent, positioning Batam and other cities as key players in the global digital economy.
