Indonesia is making significant strides in its quest for national self-reliance in the telecommunications sector. The government has announced plans to utilize the Indonesia Digital Test House (IDTH) to ensure that all telecommunications device testing is conducted domestically by the end of 2026.

Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid reaffirmed the commitment during her visit to the IDTH laboratory in Tapos, Depok, West Java, on Wednesday, June 4. “Today’s visit is to ensure that, in line with our roadmap, by the end of 2026, most, if not all, telecommunications device testing can be conducted within the country,” said Hafid.

This strategic move signifies Indonesia’s transformation from a consumer to a certified tester and active participant in the digital device industry.

In the past, most digital device testing had to be conducted overseas due to limited domestic infrastructure and technological capabilities. This reliance on foreign labs contributed to a trade deficit in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, which exceeded Rp30 trillion in 2023.

According to the Trade Ministry, mobile phones, laptops, and computer equipment were among the top contributors to this deficit from January to June 2023, with imports continuing to surpass exports. In contrast, products such as TVs, telecommunications devices, and printers/copiers generated trade surpluses.

In the first half of 2023, Indonesia's main export markets for ICT products were the United States (28.69 percent), Singapore (8.38 percent), South Korea (8.29 percent), and Germany (6.24 percent). Meanwhile, the largest sources of ICT imports were China (65.84 percent), Singapore (8.05 percent), Malaysia (3.67 percent), and Japan (3.65 percent).

In May 2024, President Joko Widodo officially inaugurated IDTH, making Indonesia home to the largest and most comprehensive international-standard testing facility in Southeast Asia.

Situated on a 22,723-square-meter plot, IDTH features 12 state-of-the-art laboratories, including facilities for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), specific absorption rate (SAR), and electromagnetic field (EMF) testing. These three labs were previously unavailable in the country.

“This demonstrates President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of national self-reliance, particularly in the digital sphere," said Minister Meutya during her visit.

Credible Certification Pillar

In addition to serving as a testing facility, IDTH is projected to be a center of excellence for testing digital devices. This ensures that test results from IDTH are not only reliable and reproducible nationally but also internationally recognized.

According to her, IDTH plays a vital role in strengthening the national digital device ecosystem. “Every test result must be trusted and recognized across borders. IDTH must be relevant not only at home, but also in the regional and international context,” she said.

To achieve this goal, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs (MCDA) is collaborating with the National Standardization Agency (BSN) to expedite the accreditation of testing laboratories and designate a National Device Testing Center (BUDN) for telecommunications equipment.

They formalized the collaboration with the signing of a cooperation agreement between Wayan Toni Supriyanto, MCDA’s Director General of Digital Infrastructure, and Wahyu Purbowasito, BSN’s Deputy for Accreditation. Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid and BSN’s Interim Head Yustinus Kristianto Widiwardono also attended the event.

Untapped Market Potential

Despite IDTH generating over Rp32 billion in testing service revenue over the past three years, this figure is still modest compared to countries like Germany, which has generated Rp59 trillion, and South Korea, with Rp11 trillion. This comparison highlights the considerable untapped potential of Indonesia's domestic market. The Minister set a target for most ICT devices entering Indonesia to be tested domestically within the next year.

IDTH tested over 600 features in 2023 and is expected to manage up to 5,000 annually starting in 2026. “Given our current readiness, I believe that within this year, we must be capable of shifting most testing activities to domestic facilities,” she said.

Center for Innovation and Protection

During the inauguration of IDTH in 2024, President Jokowi highlighted that the center should function not just as a certification laboratory but also as a hub for technological innovation. With an investment of nearly Rp1 trillion, IDTH is designed to collaborate with universities, startups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Digitalization must empower local producers to reign in our country. We must be players, not just a market,” President Jokowi stressed in May 2024.

At that time, he highlighted that out of the 320 components used in Apple devices, Indonesia contributed only two. In contrast, Vietnam provided 72 components, Thailand provided 24, Malaysia provided 19, and the Philippines provided 17. This is noteworthy considering that Indonesia has the largest GDP in Southeast Asia, accounting for 46 percent of the total GDP in the ASEAN.

The local content (TKDN) of telecommunications devices produced or assembled in Indonesia currently ranges from 20% to 67.4%. The highest TKDN, between 50% and 67%, is found in products such as fiber optic cables, lithium-ion batteries, lithium batteries, and smart communication gateways.

Strengthening National ICT Industry

Wayan Toni Supriyanto, MCDA’s Director General of Digital Infrastructure, said that testing centers like IDTH play three essential roles in the national digital ecosystem: they act as protectors, serve as gateways, and manage spectrum.

As protectors, they ensure public safety and health from harmful radiation or device malfunctions. As gateways, they regulate the import and export of ICT products, enabling local industries to access global markets. As spectrum managers, they ensure device interoperability and protect against threats such as fake base transceiver stations (BTS). This role increases the local content of digital products and helps safeguard user data.

Meeting Future Technological Challenges

Moving forward, IDTH will play a pivotal role in the development of 5G networks and Indonesia's overall digital transformation. The government is set to release new spectrum bands, which include 700 MHz, 2.6 GHz, and 26 GHz for mobile networks, as well as 1.4 GHz for fixed broadband.

With ongoing improvements to its facilities, human resources, and regulations, IDTH is poised to become the vanguard of Indonesia’s digital sovereignty. This aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of advancing national development through digital transformation. It is part of Indonesia’s grand strategy to achieve the 2045 Golden Indonesia vision.

Writer: Kristantyo Wisnubroto

Editor: Untung Sutomo

Translator: Wisnu Wardoyo