The Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese telecom giant Huawei on Monday to develop Indonesia’s digital ecosystem and to develop talent through the transfer of knowledge and technology.
The agency and Huawei will focus on developing artificial intelligence (AI), the cloud and 5G technology.
“Through this partnership, we will benefit from the transfer of knowledge and technology carried out by Huawei,” BPPT head Hammam Riza said in a statement published on Tuesday.
“Huawei's long-haul, global experience and success provide a useful reference for us in adopting the leading-edge technology to support strategic interests.”
The government published in August a blueprint to guide the country in developing AI between 2020 and 2045, as governments and businesses around the world look for modern solutions in various fields, including law enforcement and financing.
With the collaboration, the government expects the BPPT to receive up-to-date information from Huawei regarding industry needs, while Huawei will have access to information on research in Indonesia.
Research and Technology Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro said that the collaboration was in line with the BPPT’s triple-helix collaboration between academia, the government and industry to realize Indonesia’s digital economy country goals by 2035 and its vision to become a developed country by 2045.
“The BPPT's collaboration with Huawei is a symbol of open innovation as well as part of a commitment to accelerate the creation of a strong, innovation-based digital ecosystem in Indonesia. We hope that this collaboration can become a progenitor to Indonesia's efforts to become more competitive in the context of Industrial Revolution 4.0,” he said.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo previously announced that his administration would allocate Rp 30.5 trillion (US$2 billion) in the 2021 state budget for information and communication technology (ICT) development, as it aims to aid digital transformation in public services and to improve the country’s connectivity inclusion.
Huawei reported that it partnered with over 300 higher education and over 900 research institutions globally to boost innovation.
“The collaboration between Huawei and the BPPT is a token of trust given to the company that mirrors on Huawei’s leadership in ICT development,” Huawei Indonesia CEO Jacky Chen said.
Earlier in July, the UK banned Huawei from its 5G infrastructure, requiring companies to stop buying new 5G equipment from Huawei starting next year and strip out existing gear by the end of 2027.
The decision was made following pressure from the United States amid a Sino-American tug-of-war and allegations that the company would hand over data to China in espionage efforts. Huawei has denied the allegations.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s neighboring country Singapore has opted to choose Nokia and Ericsson as its main 5G network providers, leaving Huawei with a minor share in the market. (eyc)
