Jakarta, January 27, 2024, The Europe Today: Indonesian Minister of Communications and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi, announced a landmark agreement with Timor-Leste to advance the communications and informatics sectors of both nations. The accord was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Minister Setiadi and Timor-Leste’s Minister of Communication and Transport, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, at the Bogor Palace in West Java on Friday, January 26.
According to a press statement released on Saturday, Minister Setiadi outlined the comprehensive scope of cooperation encompassing radio communications, telecommunications services, information applications, and postal and courier services.
“In the realm of radio communications cooperation, both countries commit to coordinating and jointly monitoring the radio frequency spectrum in border areas. This will be followed by the exchange of data and information on radio stations in border areas and the implementation of a joint radio spectrum management system,” remarked Minister Setiadi.
He emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to supporting the promotion and development of 5G technology cooperation and facilitating telecommunications infrastructure development in Timor-Leste. The collaboration extends to the enhancement of communication networks, bridging the digital gap, and bolstering disaster management systems.
“These initiatives will be spearheaded by telecommunications operators, including the private sector, with an investment scheme in Timor-Leste,” Setiadi affirmed.
The bilateral agreement also addresses the exchange of information and cooperation on Internet Governance, coupled with a commitment to fortify start-up business matchmaking initiatives to foster the development of the digital economic ecosystem.
Furthermore, Minister Setiadi highlighted collaborative efforts in promoting cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, Big Data, and the Internet of Things.
In the postal and courier services sector, Indonesia and Timor-Leste have committed to philatelic cooperation, stamp issuance, the development of remittance services, and the exchange of postal items in border areas.
As per the terms of the MoU, both countries pledge to exchange information on policies and regulations governing radio, telecommunications, information applications, and postal and courier services.
The historic signing ceremony was witnessed by President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmao, underscoring the shared commitment to fostering technological advancements and deepening collaboration between the two nations.
