President Joko Widodo Asks Facebook to Support Indonesia’s Digital Economy

President Joko Widodo accompanied by the First Lady gave a written message “Bersama Kita Wujudkan Impian Indonesia dan Impian Dunia (Let’s Reach the Dreams of Indonesia and the World), that is put in a frame, to Mark Zuckerberg in San Fransisco

President Joko Widodo had a meeting with founder as well as CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, and the excecutives of the company, on the sidelines of his meeting in Silicon Valley, the United States, on Wednesday (17/2) afternoon.

In his remarks, the President appreciated the contribution of Facebook to the development of Indonesia’s economy and digital culture.

“I hope Facebook can cooperate to help Indonesia achieving its vision to be the largest digital economy in Southeast Asia that is projected to reach US$ 130 billion in 2020,” the President asked.

According to the President, Indonesia has prepared medium and long terms digital economy action plan, which focus on accelerating the digital access for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (UMKM).

He mentioned that Indonesian Government has made a number of policies to support the growth of technopreneurs and to attract investors, including in Information Technology sector.

“The Government has also made a policy that supports innovation, such as to create 1,000 technopreneurs and to give protection for start-up entrepreneurs,” the President added.

The President also asked Facebook to support education of new IT developers in Indonesia.

“I hope Facebook can also support Indonesia to empower its digital economy,” the President said.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Communication and Informatics Rudiantara and Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi. (AS/ES/EN)(MMB/YM/Naster)