TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bukalapak opened a Research and Development Hub in Melbourne, Victoria on Monday, January 31. The Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Siswo Pramono, said the tech hub could open new ways for improving the digital technology ecosystem of the two countries.

Bukalapak hoped the research and development office can provide access to Victoria's capabilities and talent base in technology and digital innovation. In addition, the Tech Hub—Bukalapak's first international base for research and development centers—is expected to collaborate with various universities in Victoria.

"Melbourne's technology ecosystem is an ideal base for Bukalapak to establish this technology hub, which allows Indonesian technology talents to work closely with technology practitioners from Australia and around the world," Bukalapak president Teddy Oetomo said as quoted in the official statement from the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry.

"Victoria is Australia's technology capital. We are proud to welcome Bukalapak's first international R&D center in Melbourne, creating jobs and enhancing our state's culture of innovation," said Tim Pallas, Treasurer of Victoria.

Digital transformation is one of the priorities of the Indonesian presidency at the G20 in 2022. The Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership or IA-CEPA is expected to encourage deeper cooperation from tech hubs.

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Daniel Ahmad