Indonesia, India Step Up Telecom Cooperation, Explore 6G
Indonesia, India Step Up Telecom Cooperation, Explore 6G
Reporter
September 15, 2026 | 06:14 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia and India have agreed to expand cooperation in telecommunications technology, including research into next-generation connectivity such as 6G, as both countries seek to strengthen their digital capabilities.
The cooperation was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) following discussions on the Joint Leaders’ Statement during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Indonesia, where he was received by President Prabowo Subianto.
The final cooperation document was exchanged in the presence of the two countries’ leaders, with Indonesia’s Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid and India’s Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia agreeing to the MoU.
From 4G and 5G to 6G
Meutya said the partnership would go beyond improving telecommunications technologies already in use and focus on developing technologies that could shape future connectivity.
“We are talking about 4G and 5G, but also technologies that will determine connectivity and digital competitiveness in the future. Therefore, research, human resource development, and industry collaboration must be prepared from now,” Meutya said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The cooperation will cover research and development in 4G and 5G technologies, as well as exploration of 6G, quantum technology and advanced wireless communications.
“Indonesia wants to ensure that digital transformation enables Indonesians to master, develop and create the technologies of the future. Cooperation with India is one strategic avenue to strengthen that capacity,” Meutya said.
The agreement is also intended to facilitate knowledge sharing, skills development and collaboration between researchers, businesses and other stakeholders in the two countries.
Telecom Networks for Disaster Response
Beyond next-generation connectivity, the partnership will also focus on communications systems for disaster response.
Indonesia and India will explore emergency communication systems and disaster risk reduction solutions designed to keep telecommunications services running during crises and natural disasters.
“For Indonesia, connectivity is also about resilience. When disasters occur, communication networks must remain a link between communities, the government and emergency services,” Meutya said.
She said reliable connectivity is becoming increasingly important as demand grows for faster, more dependable and resilient communications infrastructure.
Training and Industry Partnerships
The two countries will implement the agreement through programs including training, upskilling and reskilling to strengthen their telecommunications workforces.
Research and development partnerships involving universities and industry will also be encouraged, alongside public-private partnerships.
Telecommunications and technology companies in Indonesia and India will have opportunities to pursue joint projects through business-to-business partnerships, allowing companies from both countries to combine their respective expertise and capabilities.
Annual Indonesia-India Telecom Dialogue
To oversee the partnership, Indonesia and India will establish an annual Indonesian-Indian Telco Dialogue.
The forum will be led by senior officials from both countries and held alternately in Indonesia and India. It will be used to review progress, address challenges and develop follow-up programs.
The MoU will remain in effect for five years from the date of signing and may be extended through a written agreement between the two sides.
Read: China Responds to Calls by AI Leaders to Slow Technology Development
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News