ASEAN's DEFA May Boost Digital Economy to Rp2tn, Says Airlangga

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said that the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is the flagship program of the 43rd ASEAN Summit. The pact is a master plan initiated under the Indonesian chairmanship.

Airlangga explained that the DEFA addresses digitalization, digital talent, digital ID, cyber security, and retraining rescaling infrastructure interoperability in ASEAN.

“Without this, the digital economy in ASEAN [which is expected to reach] Rp1 trillion by 2030 could grow to Rp2 trillion,” he said.

According to Airlangga, the draft of the agreement has been prepared and was targeted to be finalized by 2025.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo or Jokowi said the high-level meetings resulted in cooperation in developing the electric vehicle battery ecosystem and accelerating the implementation of regional cross-border payments and local currency transactions.

In addition, the implementation of the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum resulted in 93 projects worth US$38.2 billion. “This is concrete cooperation that benefits the people,” he remarked.

Jokowi emphasized that ASEAN has great potential, not to mention its economic growth which is above the world average, demographic bonuses, and political stability which was considered well-maintained.

“It is Indonesia's duty together with other ASEAN countries to ensure that the ASEAN ship continues to sail,” Jokowi said.

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI

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