KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia's Cordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, claims that it has become the country with the largest number of unicorns and decacorns among other nations.
"This is also driven by the government's efforts to integrate with Asean countries to accommodate companies' development and expand market research," Hartarto said in a statement from his office on Friday.
According to Antara Indonesian News Agency, the minister made this remark while attending "The Big Idea Forum CNN with Desi Anwar" on Friday.
Unicorn companies are startups valued at over US$1 billion, while decacorn companies are those valued at over US$10 billion.
Meanwhile, Hartato noted that Indonesia's success as the 2023 Asean Chair has led to the launch of the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
He said DEFA has opened a new chapter in regional digital economic integration.
He also said that DEFA is expected to boost investment, innovation, productivity, job creation, and empowerment in the micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) sector.
According to Hartato, projections show that Asean's digital economy, currently valued at US$1 trillion, could double to US$2 trillion by 2030 due to DEFA.
He said Indonesia and other Asean countries have integrated payments through Local Currency Settlement (LCS) policies using Quick Response Code Indonesia Standard (QRIS).
Hartarto also stressed the need for data security amid digitalisation efforts.
He is optimistic about Indonesia becoming a developed country by 2045, with a projected population of 320 million and a US$9 trillion economy.
He added that the Indonesian government is focusing on digitalisation to boost economic growth and attract investment while preparing skilled workers through the Pre-Employment Programme.
The minister said despite progress, challenges remain in ensuring equal connectivity and advancing digital infrastructure, with efforts like the Palapa Ring network and new satellites.