The government of Indonesia recently entered into a deal with a telecommunications company to modernise its search processes for qualified sports athletes. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with state-owned PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia or PT Telkom as it looks to develop an information system that can scout and screen qualified athletes.
The statement was made during the signing of the deal at Wisma Menpora, Kemenpora, in Jakarta. The contract was signed by Sesmenpora Gatot S. Dewa Broto and Edi Witjara, Director of Enterprise and Business of PT Telekomunikasi. The event was witnessed by Zainudin Amali, Minister of Youth and Sports.
At the contract signing, the Minister took the opportunity to encourage more innovative technology, particularly in the sports arena. He cited the need for data gathering and analysis to streamline its traditional application procedures for potential athletes. The Minister also remained confident that as the agency’s data platforms continue to get more sophisticated, aspiring athletes will also be able to submit their applications online.
The Ministry penned the agreement following a directive from Indonesian President Joko Widodo to improve existing procedures in selecting the top athletes in the country who will join the national team of Indonesia in sports.
Last year, the President ordered the creation of a governance policy to achieve improved gathering, analysing and sharing of quality data across various platforms in central and regional agencies in the country. This policy, called Satu Data Indonesia (SDI), is part and parcel of Presidential Decree No. 39 or the Indonesia One Data programme.
During a keynote speech, the Indonesian government underscored the importance of implementing an open data policy. It reiterated that the nation is steadfast in its mission of introducing digital policies in government to scale up operations. To do this, there must be one roadmap that brings together various elements of digital transformation. These include preparation, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Building a sports database
Setting up an efficient data storage service is a milestone for the Ministry of Youth and Sports as it continues to build on its existing database through innovation. The agency has created a national sports data system which it believes can push Indones further up the scale worldwide in sports.
Stakeholders and sports enthusiasts shall be granted access to the national sports data system. The Minister admitted that its database on athletes is not yet complete. However, he expressed optimism that the integration of the new sports framework will help in enhancing its existing data programme. This, he said, is part of the government’s vision to inculcate an active engagement in citizens.
Amid positive sentiments regarding the project, the Ministry hopes that the technology can also be utilised and extended to other areas. He cited in particular the youth sector. This sentiment was echoed by PT Telekomunikasi’s Director of Enterprise. He said he has high hopes that the new sports programme can contribute to the development of the whole sports ecosystem.
He noted. “I remember the importance of building a sports ecosystem in Indonesia, including also digitising the existing system. We are committed to doing that because Telkom already has a lot of experience in the field of digitization, to make it easier for all [sectors in the government]”.
Indonesia has made significant strides in several key industries of its economy with the help of technology. As reported earlier by OpenGov Asia, the country’s Ministry of Health has pushed for the modernisation of health solutions in the South Kalimantan Province. Authorities made clear the imperative to implement electronic services to stem the transmission of diseases and COVID-19 in the area.