Indonesia, India to cooperate on telco technology

Partnership initially set for five years.

Indonesia and India have partnered to work on developing and innovating telecommunications technologies through knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, the partnership between the two Asian countries will initially run for five years. The cooperation, which will establish the annual Indonesian-Indian Telco Dialogue, may subsequently be extended.

Meutya Hafid, Indonesian Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, was quoted by news agency Antara as saying: "Indonesia aims to ensure that digital transformation empowers its people to master, develop, and create future technologies.

"Cooperation with India serves as a strategic avenue to strengthen these capabilities."

Initiatives under the collaboration will include both public-private and business-to-business partnerships, research and development opportunities, and the required upskilling or reskilling.

Technologies will span 4G, 5G, 6G, as well as advanced wireless communications and quantum tech. Communication systems for disaster management will also be explored.

"We are discussing the technologies that will define future connectivity and digital competitiveness," Hafid said. "Therefore, we must prepare for research, human resource development, and industry collaboration starting now."

The Indonesian-Indian Telco Dialogue will be used to evaluate the cooperation's progress and formulate work plans. It will be held alternately in the two countries.