TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Communication and Informatics Minister Rudiantara said he would continuously help the ride-hailing application company Go-Jek to expand its business to the Philippines.

“I have not yet updated about the news but the government will continue to help Go-Jek having present in other countries,” said Rudiantara in Mulia Hotel, Jakarta, Wednesday, January 9.

Rudiantara said the government needed to provide assistance since it was something to be proud of when a local company able to grow the business in other countries. “Indonesian technicians and engineers will be brought there. This is a change in the government’s business mindset. We compete,” he added, “and honestly I run negotiation with the Philipines to open the access for Indonesian unicorn.”

The minister said he would open for the possibility of the Philippines’ unicorn to enter Indonesia. “Why we have to do so? I said that if we, as the ASEAN countries, reject to open ourselves, other people or other regions will enter ASEAN.”

According to Rudiantara, the government’s role to facilitate startup companies was necessary. “For example, if an Indonesian unicorn wants to enter other countries, I will visit there or contact there. We are also proud to have Indonesian unicorn in other countries,” he noted.

Go-Jek’s plan to expand its business in the Philipines was hindered after the country’s Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) banned Go-Jek’s entry due to foreign ownership issue. At present, the ride-hailing market is still dominated by its competitor, Grab.

Responding to the ban, Go-Jek said to continue “to engage positively with the LTFRB and other government agencies, as we seek to provide a much-needed transport solution for the people of the Philippines”.

HENDARTYO HANGGI | DEWI RINA CAHYANI | REUTERS