"Google sees a great economic development and internet users in Indonesia. We also see that Google users are also large in Indonesia," said Tifatul, when met reporters at the Presidential Palace on Friday (07/22/2011).
He mentioned, the current Internet users in Indonesia is very large. Facebook users, for example, reaches 36 million people, is the second largest in the world. That is why, Google also provides search engine in Indonesian version.
"They plan to open an office and increase their investment in Indonesia. Now that Google has invested U.S. $ 57.5 billion. Well, they will add to it," said Tifatul.
But he has not ensure that the establishment of the Google offices in Indonesia this year. Clearly, Google and the government of Indonesia has agreed to create a one of the contents of the MoU is to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
"Well, they will soon. That was also present Minister of Cooperation, we are working together, there will be a creative content in the field of software, this SME market to the outside world is also cooperation in the field of computer security," he explained.
Google Too Late to Invest in Indonesia
Google claims seriously to develop her business and opened an office in Indonesia. But the arrival of a new Google now considered a bit late."Actually it's a little too late in view of Indonesia is very large, internet users are so high, and there are already mobile phone penetration is remarkable. And now it's digital service economy and the shift toward mobile and smart phones, so it is already time, "said spokeswoman Vice President, Yopie Hidayat.
According to him, which will be developed in Indonesia related to Google's platform for developing industrial cooperation with SMEs. So for Google it is very important, because they will act as 'intermediaries', advertising and marketing company that will help Google's partners in Indonesia to access global markets.
"It's like the model that they use in China. So in China, he (Google-red.) a lot of access to small companies, providing a platform, and then connect the companies with buyers worldwide," explained Yopie .
"Well, with that Google sees tremendous potential of Indonesia. Now they're talks with Minister of Communication, because they want to sign such an MoU with the Indonesian government that would later be the basis of the opening of business here," he continued.
Google's arrival into Indonesia itself begins with a visit to Vice President Boediono. "They do not come quietly, but earlier said it wanted to come open, honest conversation with the government about what can be supported," said Yopie.
Google itself has not said when it will open offices in Indonesia. However, ideally in the range of 2012.
"They do not know where (it will open an office). But maybe in Jakarta. Message from Google is believed to Indonesia's economy will grow very fast if the connectivity (digital connectivity) are all connected," said Yopie.
"That makes the transaction efficient, more rapid, more rapid trade flows. He believes that's where Google comes in," he concluded.
Vice president himself is basically welcomed plans from Google. He aspires to create a system or a better life for future generations. Of course with the growth of this remarkable technology, the system should follow the development.
"Of course the government wanted to improve the situation and the Google opens the opportunity to fix it," insisted Yopie.
Source, Edited and Translated By Romesco
