TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - IKN Authority and tech company Microsoft inked an MoU on November 14, 2023, in San Francisco, United States of America. The agreement is intended to realize the smart city concept by centering digital technologies in IKN.

IKN Authority Head Bambang Susantono mentioned that agreements with digital technology provider companies are worth appreciating. "We are grateful for this collaboration to develop IKN Nusantara," he said in a written statement on Thursday, November 16.

According to Bambang, these collaborations are in line with the spirit of establishing IKN as one of the economic centers of Indonesia by developing a smart city. "Transformation is one of the purposes," he said.

Microsoft is the biggest operating system and software company in the world. The company pioneered by Bill Gates and Paul Allen will participate in the digital transformation process in IKN.

Regional Vice President for Microsoft's Corporate External & Legal Affairs Mike Yeh stated that the company is ready to support the digital preparation and planning conducted in IKN.

"With this digital technology implementation, IKN could become an integrated area in the future," Mike Yeh said.

The roles of Microsoft in IKN include providing technology supporting new renewable energy, electric vehicle systems, and autonomous vehicles. Meanwhile, from an inclusivity perspective, Microsoft is interested in developing digital literacy by providing training.

Mike Yeh said that Microsoft is currently conducting a similar approach in India by implementing Azure OpenAI in the country's public services. Going forward, Mike Yeh said, the company will study further what could be implemented in IKN.

"We greatly appreciate this cooperation, we have the same framework," Mike Yeh added.

Bambang on the other hand hoped that inviting Microsoft and other tech giants could establish IKN's status as a smart city sooner rather than later. Additionally, the IKN Authority Head hoped this could answer the need for digital technology in various aspects of life.

"One of the examples is the e-governance in IKN which must work effectively through a digital system to boost the efficiency and quality of life for the residents," he said.

Meanwhile, IKN Authority spokesperson Troy Pantouw explained that accelerating digital transformation will also bolster the productivity and competitiveness of IKN.

"Through swifter, easier, and more efficient services," he concluded.

MOH. KHORY ALFARIZI

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