Indonesia-Saudi Strengthens Digital Economic Cooperation

Riyadh, MINA – Bilateral relations and strategic partnerships Indonesia Government and Saudi Arabia that have been running for more than six decades entering new milestone, both countries agreed to strengthen digital economic cooperation.

It was marked by signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Indonesia Government represented by Minister of Communication and Information, Rudiantara and Saudi Arabia represented by Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha in Riyadh on Thursday July 4.

“We are committed to make this collaboration not just an MoU or Memorandum of Understanding, but an MoA, namely a Memorandum of Action,” said Rudiantara.

On this occasion, Rudiantara also explained potential for cooperation between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, especially related to Umrah.

“Umrah market is a potential captive market, both for Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. Because all Muslims will perform Umrah, “said Minister of Communication and Information.

The collaboration with Saudi Arabia includes initiation of development of Digital Enterprise Umrah, which is believed to be a joint solution of main problems in the entire Umrah chain. Two Indonesian unicorn will take part as representatives of Indonesian industry.

“We are proud to be able to present two unicorns from Indonesia: Tokopedia and Traveloka. I believe this is the beginning of our collaboration in digital economy of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and also the vision of Indonesia which is the largest digital economy in ASEAN, “the Minister of Communication and Information added.

The number of technical discussions will be carried out as a follow up to this signing. One of them is through the empowerment of SMEs and their supporting ecosystems in the form of expert exchanges and training.

“I believe this partnership is very unique and special. We collaborate together with the largest Muslim population in the world. I believe we can do more extraordinary things, “Saudi Arabia’s Information and Communication Minister Abdullah Alswaha said after the signing.

Over the past four years, relations between the two countries have continued to strengthen since King Salman’s visit to Indonesia in 2017 and President Jokowi’s visit to Saudi Arabia recently.

Various collaborations and cooperation agreements continue, both countries agreed to form a new axis known as Saunesia and actively took part in economic, security, cultural and pilgrimage collaboration. (T/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)