Antara, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Communications and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi stated that Indonesia and Timor Leste agreed to advance the communications and informatics sectors of both countries.
This agreement was stated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Minister Setiadi and Timor Leste Minister of Communication and Transport Miguel Marques Goncalves Manetelu at the Bogor Palace, West Java, on Friday (January 26).
In a press statement released on Saturday, Setiadi noted that the scope of cooperation with Timor Leste includes the fields of radio communications, telecommunications services, information applications, and postal and courier services.
"In the radio communications cooperation, the two countries will coordinate and jointly monitor the radio frequency spectrum in border areas, followed by the exchange of data and information on radio stations in border areas and the radio spectrum management system," he remarked.
He affirmed that Indonesia supports the promotion and development of 5G technology cooperation and the facilitation of telecommunications infrastructure development. In addition, both countries aim to increase the development of communication networks, including bridging the digital gap and disaster management systems.
"This will be implemented by telecommunications operators, including the private sector, with an investment scheme in Timor Leste," Setiadi remarked.
The two countries also agreed to exchange information and cooperate on Internet Governance and strengthen start-up business matchmaking cooperation for the development of the digital economic ecosystem.
In addition, the minister stated that Indonesia and Timor Leste are working together to promote the latest technology, such as artificial intelligence, Big Data, and the Internet of Things.
In the postal and courier services sector, Indonesia and Timor Leste agreed on philatelic cooperation and stamp issuance; the development of remittance services; and the exchange of postal items in border areas.
"In accordance with the MoU, the two countries also agree to exchange information on policies and regulations for radio, telecommunications, information applications, and postal and courier services," he remarked.
The MoU signing was witnessed by President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste Xanana Gusmao.