TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government expresses supports for the global exchange of data and information. Communication and Information Minister Rudiantara said that the Data Free Flow with Trust initiative, proposed by Japan in yesterday's G20 meeting, could be an important boost to creating new economic activities, especially in the field of digital economy.

"The potential could worth billions of dollars," Rudiantara said in Tsukuba, Japan, last weekend.

The presumption that data is an important and valuable commodity is inevitable. According to the minister, data is a very valuable asset in everyday life and the development of a digital economy.

During the two-day meeting, Japan as the host encouraged the importance of free data flow for the development of the entire world.

"Indonesia would also like to remind the commitment of all G20 member countries to strengthen and encourage the growth of the digital economy in coming years," Rudiantara remarked, adding that countries must also increase awareness of possible leaks of state data.

Data from countries with large populations, such as Indonesia, are easy targets for abuse. Rudiantara said the global data exchange must first fix the issue of privacy, data protection, and intellectual rights before the initiative is implemented

"Indonesia's proposal is supported by many G20 members, especially countries with large populations such as China, India and Saudi Arabia," he stated.

ANDI IBNU