KBRN, Jakarta: The Indonesia Communication and Digital Ministry together with the Russian Federation Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation in the digital field.

Indonesian Communication and Digital Minister (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid said that this cooperation will not stop at the signing, but will immediately enter the implementation phase.

“Indonesia and Russia have agreed to form a Special Sub-Committee as the main driver of the joint digital program, including human resource training, technology exchange, and collaborative media content initiatives,” said Minister Meutya in an official statement on Friday, June 20, 2025, as quoted by antaranews.com.

This collaboration covers the development of 5G networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), radio frequency spectrum governance, strengthening cybersecurity, and the formulation of inclusive internet policies. Additionally, the cooperation program includes digital content production, bilateral seminars, and inter-agency research exchanges.

Minister Meutya explained that the MoU is valid for five years and can be automatically extended, thus creating a long-term foundation for Indonesia’s inclusive, secure, and sustainable digital transformation.

Indonesia regards Russia as a strategic partner due to its success in providing fast and affordable internet services to 92 percent of its population.

Broadband home tariffs in Russia range from IDR 95,000 to IDR 160,000 (approximately USD 5.80 to USD 9.76) per month, an achievement that serves as an important reference for Indonesia in reaching its underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost regions (3T).

The strategic digital cooperation MoU between Indonesia and Russia is one of four bilateral cooperation documents agreed upon and exchanged in the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Konstantinovsky Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia.

The cooperation documents exchanged before the two presidents include cooperation in higher education between Indonesia and Russia, cross-border transportation collaboration, digital and mass media cooperation, and an investment MoU between the Danantara Investment Management Agency and Russian partners.

All these exchanges were reinforced by the signing of the Indonesia-Russia Strategic Partnership Declaration, which forms the foundation for a new direction in bilateral relations amid global geopolitical and digital economic dynamics.

“Indonesia’s digital diplomacy is now moving concretely. We want tangible results that strengthen Indonesia’s position as an active player in the global digital landscape,” said Minister Meutya. ***