The US-ASEAN Business Council’s 2026 Digital Economy Mission brought leading technology companies to Jakarta for high-level discussions with Indonesian policymakers, reinforcing public-private collaboration on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and regulatory development.
The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Indonesia’s digital transformation during its 2026 Digital Economy Mission, held in Jakarta from 21 to 22 July. The mission convened senior government officials and representatives from leading global technology companies to strengthen dialogue on Indonesia’s digital economy priorities and explore opportunities for deeper public-private collaboration as the country advances its ambition to become a regional digital hub.
As part of the programme, USABC hosted a dinner dialogue with Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Mr. Nezar Patria, to discuss the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) priorities and the role of industry in accelerating digital development. The delegation also participated in an inter-ministerial dialogue involving senior officials from the Ministry of National Development Planning, the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, and the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs. The discussions highlighted the importance of a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to modernising Indonesia’s digital economy and identified areas for continued cooperation.
The mission further included bilateral meetings with key Indonesian institutions, including the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Bank Indonesia, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), the Ministry of Industry, and the United States Embassy in Jakarta. Discussions focused on several strategic issues shaping Indonesia’s digital future, including trusted artificial intelligence ecosystems, cybersecurity resilience, online safety, secure digital infrastructure, connectivity, and cross-border data flows.
Mario Masaya, USABC Vice President for Research, Technology and Financial Services, said Indonesia is among the world’s fastest-growing digital economies, with current regulatory reforms expected to shape the country’s digital landscape for years to come. He noted that widespread adoption of trusted digital technologies across businesses and government institutions will be essential to unlocking the sector’s potential, with Indonesia’s digital economy projected to expand from approximately US$100 billion to as much as US$360 billion by 2030.
Echoing this commitment, Mr. Seow Hiong Goh, Chair of USABC’s ICT Committee and Executive Director of Global Policy & Government Affairs for the Asia Pacific region at Cisco Systems, emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between government and industry. She said collaboration on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital connectivity will help establish a secure and resilient digital ecosystem that supports Indonesia’s long-term economic growth. The delegation comprised representatives from nine companies, including Airbnb, Amazon, Cisco Systems, Mastercard Indonesia, Oracle, Salesforce, SAP, and Vriens & Partners Pte Ltd, demonstrating continued private sector support for Indonesia’s digital ambitions.
Source: US-ASEAN Business Council
