Sinar Mas optimistic GSIH BSD will support strengthening digital ecosystem
Sinar Mas Land is optimistic that the Garuda Spark Innovation Hub (GSIH) at Biomedical Campus, BSD City, South Tangerang, can support the strengthening of Indonesia’s digital ecosystem by bridging technology transfer and venture funding for startups.
“Indonesia’s digital industry will become more empowered by being in an ecosystem that is indeed designed for that purpose, namely Biomedical Campus,” said Sinar Mas Managing Director Ferry Salman in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Ferry expressed hope that through the hub, more digital innovators and talent in the field of artificial intelligence will synergise and meet with global partners, encouraging new business opportunities to spread more evenly, including helping micro, small and medium enterprises move up the value chain.
GSIH BSD City was established through a collaboration between the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) and Sinar Mas Land under a Private Owned, Government Operated (POGO) scheme.
Under this collaboration, Sinar Mas Land supports the provision of physical infrastructure, while the government orchestrates programmes and an ecosystem network that connects startups, digital talent, industry, investors, academics, government, and global partners.
Going forward, GSIH BSD City will serve not only as a shared space but also as a gateway for Indonesian innovations to gain access to partners, market share and opportunities on a global scale.
CEO of Digital Tech Ecosystem & Development at Sinar Mas Land, Irawan Harahap, said that as a global hub, the node located at Biomedical Campus is expected to bridge technology transfer and venture funding for Indonesian startups.
“In addition, it also plays a role in inviting investors to come to this country, in line with its status as a special economic zone focused on developing the education, health, digital economy and creative economy sectors,” said Irawan.
Previously, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs launched the Garuda Spark Innovation Hub (GSIH), which connects 10 cities to ensure that talent and innovation in various regions have access to a wider technology ecosystem, investors, industry and markets.
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid said GSIH serves as a shared workspace for talent, startups, academics, as well as central and regional governments to accelerate national digital transformation.
GSIH uses a Hub and Spoke concept. The ten hubs are located in Jakarta, Batam, Medan, Bandung, Malang, Makassar, Papua, Yogyakarta, Aceh and Surabaya.
Meanwhile, the spokes serve as regional ecosystem points connected to the hubs, allowing local talent, startups and innovations to enter the national network.