Digital Startup Potentially Contribute US$150 billion to GDP

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Industry Ministry supported the growth of digital startup to sustain the implementation of the industrial revolution 4.0. The minister Airlangga Hartarto said the measure aimed at taking the chance in the digital economic era which could increase the national gross domestic product (GDP) to US$150 billion in 2025.

“We want entrepreneurs of small and medium industry (IKM) seize the opportunity. Thus, talents are required to develop the latest technology, such as those related to the internet of things (IoT) or device network and application (DNA),” said Airlangga in a written statement, Friday, December 14.  

According to Airlangga, the strategy is based on the priority program listed in the Making Indonesia 4.0 roadmap. It is a program of national development in a bid to actualize Indonesia to be the world’s top ten countries with the strongest economy in 2030.

“Mr. President encourages us to be optimistic that the Industry 4.0 era will provide big opportunities for Indonesia to boost the national economy. The chance, for sure, should not only be taken by big industries but also IKM,” he added. 

Airlangga continued that despite the government is currently initiating industrial revolution 4.0 program, industries that are still using the technology era 1.0-3.0 could run concurrently. And that means, the government also strives to preserve the business continuation of IKM. “Foreign investor is prohibited for IKM, including in tenun, batik, sarong, and other industries,” he added. 

Minister Airlangga conveyed the statement in the event of 2018 IKM Festival. He opined the Industry Ministry maintained to develop the economic scale of national IKM in this digital era. During the event, five out of fifteen startups were chosen as the best newly emerged business venture.