IndonesiaÂ’s Minister of Communication and Informatics: Cloud Computing Expands The Workforce

By Muhammad Fikri

Editor Muhammad Fikri

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - "The development of information technology urges Indonesia and the world to enter a new era, the era of cloud computing," said the Indonesian Minister of Communication and Informatics Tifatul Sembiring on a public lecture that focused on the development of IT in Indonesia. The lecture is part of E-Indonesia Initiatives Forum (EII) at ITB West Hall, Wednesday (25/04/12).

The theme of this year's EII is "Cloud Computing and Social Network for A Smat and Productive Indonesia." Cloud computing is a new technology that will increase the efficiency of information technology and communication.
Cloud computing combine the use of computer technology and internet-based development. "We hope that information technology could add value to industries, businesses, and other fields," Tifatul said. He added, "Cloud computing hasn't been used that much in Indonesia, but later it can expand the workforce in Indonesia." Cloud computing service can be compared to electricity, gas, phone, or water by consumers. Consumers will be charged for the service they use. One example of the simplicity that cloud computing offers is data management of a business. Owners of businesses no longer need to provide their own servers and specially designed room with low temperature to store their servers. "The function of a server can be replaced by cloud computing services," said Tifatul. Cloud computing also give the comfort of accessing data anywher as long as the device used is connected to the internet.

To support the rapid developments in the world of information technology, the Minister of Communication and Informatics is endeavoring to increase the quality of Indonesia's internet. According to Tifatul, "we will increase the numbers of spectrum and stimulate information technology industries to grow further." He also explained the effort to provide access of information in all regions in Indonesia through Indonesia Connected program.

In a counterpoise to the minister's speech, ITB's president Prof. Akhmaloka stated that Indonesia should not be mere passive consumer of information technology. He stated that "it is more important to grow the research culture to move forward." And the dynamic technological advanements should motivate us to continue innovating in facing new challenges, Ahmaloka added.