Jakarta. Communications Minister Meutya Hafid recently revealed that Indonesia’s technology sector had secured new investments from 19 Australian companies.

Earlier this week, Meutya hosted a meeting with Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Penny Williams in her Jakarta office. The talks zeroed in on Australia’s upcoming investments, among others.

“Nineteen Australian companies will invest in Indonesia’s technology sector in the near future. This is something incredibly positive which will then boost the digital sector’s role in Indonesia’s economic growth,” Meutya was quoted as saying in a recent press statement.

Meutya, however, did not say the names of the potential Australian investors. The government reported back in May that Australian investments in Indonesia between 2019-2024 had totaled at least $1.96 billion so far. Last year, Australia was Indonesia’s 10th largest source of foreign direct investment as the close neighbor put around $500 million. 

Aside from investment talks, Meutya pushed for a “mutually beneficial” bilateral partnership to beef up cybersecurity. She added: “Both countries should regularly discuss cybersecurity matters, including cyberthreats and responses to harmful cyber activities.”

The meeting also revolved around digital transformation cooperation as the two countries worked towards implementing their 2025-2029 comprehensive strategic partnership action plan. Australia is also open to bolstering its ties with Indonesia.

“We hope that Australia and Indonesia can further continue and strengthen their relations,” Penny told Meutya.

There are a number of existing bilateral cooperation in the communications and digital sector, including Australia’s scholarship programs on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity training, among others. Some Australian companies have also visited Indonesia.

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