The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is intensifying its efforts to build a comprehensive 5G ecosystem in Indonesia through strategic partnerships with domestic stakeholders and international partners. These collaborations are central to the country’s broader vision of accelerating digital transformation and fostering innovation across various sectors.
Speaking in Jakarta, Wayan Toni Supriyanto, the Ministry’s Director General of Digital Infrastructure, underlined that the government alone cannot carry out the development of 5G in Indonesia.
“We realise that the 5G ecosystem cannot be built by the government alone,” he stated, emphasising the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure a successful and inclusive rollout.
To this end, the ministry is actively engaging with key industry players and associations, including the Indonesian Telematics Society (Mastel), telecommunications service providers, and device manufacturers. These partnerships aim to foster synergy in policy formulation and technology deployment, ensuring that the national 5G strategy is responsive to industry needs while supporting innovation and inclusivity.
One of the ministry’s primary approaches involves collaborative policymaking. By involving stakeholders in the regulatory process, the ministry aims to create a conducive environment for 5G development that balances innovation, investment and accessibility. It is also undertaking real-world case studies and trial projects to explore and demonstrate the practical benefits of 5G.
For example, pilot projects are underway to test 5G-enabled smart factory solutions, which allow for automation and remote operations, showcasing how advanced connectivity can revolutionise manufacturing and industry.
Another key aspect of the partnership strategy is the efficient allocation and management of radio frequency spectrum, a critical resource for the success of 5G networks. The ministry is encouraging collaboration to release and repurpose frequency bands that are currently being used for other services, such as satellite communications, to support the growing demand for 5G bandwidth.
Beyond national efforts, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is also strengthening international ties to advance 5G development. Over the past two years, Indonesia has held strategic dialogues with three countries, (India, Russia and Japan), that have shown strong interest in supporting Indonesia’s 5G ambitions.
Earlier, Minister Meutya Hafid met with Indian Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty in Jakarta to follow up on a memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries in January 2025 covering AI, IoT and digital infrastructure.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the fields of 5G and artificial intelligence, paving the way for technical exchanges, joint research and capacity building. Minister Hafid emphasised the need for swift action, proposing a technical working group or joint statement to initiate the partnership, which supports Indonesia’s goal of accelerating digital transformation. She also noted that Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy enables it to form inclusive, strategic global collaborations.
Meanwhile, Indonesia and Russia reached an agreement to enhance their strategic collaboration in communication and digital technologies. The agreement includes joint efforts to develop and expand 5G cellular networks, reflecting a shared commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for national development.
Japan also reaffirmed its interest in contributing to Indonesia’s 5G journey by proposing the use of Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technology. Open RAN is seen as a promising alternative to traditional network infrastructure, offering flexibility, cost efficiency and opportunities for local innovation and vendor diversity.
These international engagements underscore Indonesia’s proactive stance in building a globally competitive digital ecosystem. By leveraging both domestic and global partnerships, the government aims to ensure that 5G serves as a transformative force – improving public services, boosting productivity and enhancing quality of life.
Through these coordinated efforts, Indonesia is positioning itself to become a regional leader in digital connectivity, with 5G as a foundational pillar for future innovation, economic growth and inclusive development.
Source: https://opengovasia.com/2025/05/02/indonesia-partners-to-build-a-comprehensive-5g-ecosystem/
