Jakarta. To increase digital inclusion in West Sumatra, Telkom introduced the Digital Innovation Lounge, or DILo, in Padang, on Thursday (08/02).

The launch of the 18th Digital Innovation Lounge was attended by Communications Minister Rudiantara, West Sumatra Deputy Governor Nasrul Abit, Provincial Legislative Council Speaker Hendra Irwan Rahim and Telkom director of digital and strategic portfolio David Bangun.

According to David, there has been a significant increase in the number of start-up communities and successful digital entrepreneurs coming from West Sumatra. Some notable examples are: Fery Unardi, founder of Traveloka, Fajrin Rashid of Bukalapak, Budi Isman of Smartpreneur, Masril Koto of Farmer Bank, M. Isman Usman of Ruangguru, and Hanif Dinada from Infokes.

"We hope that through the opening of the DILo, the young generation in Pandang can create and develop ideas to expand their businesses by the use of digital technology. The presence of the DILo can also accelerate digitization in West Sumatra. Hopefully, the impact of digital technology will bolster economic growth, education, trade, tourism and security," said David.

Similar to other cities, the DILo in Padang will offer various digital competitions and training in business, design and pitching.

"We hope that the DILo in Padang can be utilized in sync with other facilities, so that it can have a significant impact on the economic growth of West Sumatra and Indonesia and pave the way for new start-ups," David added .

Since 2009 Telkom, has been initiating programs designed to help the digital creative industry. Its Indigo program helps young creatives in realizing their ideas.

As of 2013, the program has helped several start-ups to grow into companies that have a major impact on Indonesia.

"Indigo Creative Nation is in line with the government's efforts to develop the digital economy for Indonesia's future economic growth. We have incubated 102 start-ups. About 40 start-ups have been commercialized, and 15 received additional funding from investors in Indonesia and abroad," David said.

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