Jakarta, March 31^st, 2021 –The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Indosat Ooredoo, Indonesia’s leading digital telco on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the response of the COVID-19 pandemic and acceleration of the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia, using innovative digital technology.

Under the MoU, UNDP and Indosat Ooredoo will conduct a public survey to understand the impact on the COVID-19 pandemic among the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The two entities also agree to boost the capacity of women entrepreneurs in Indonesia.

UNDP Indonesia Resident Representative Norimasa Shimomura and Indosat Ooredoo President Director and CEO, Ahmad Al-Neama signed the MoU at a ceremony that enforced strict physical distancing protocols amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The MoU is part of UNDP’s larger partnership strategy which seeks to leverage non-conventional partners such as the private sector, to support Indonesia’s works towards achieving the SDGs. It also furthers UNDP’s plans to leverage digital technology in championing innovative solutions.

“We are pleased to enter this exciting new partnership with Indosat Ooredoo, this partnership will give access into Indosat Ooredoo’s vast digital network and innovative solutions. Digital tools are clearly the new drivers of development and we are already seeing some positive results of digital innovations. Leveraging stronger digital partnerships is essential to ensure we connect with more communities across Indonesia and ensure we leave no one behind,” said Mr. Shimomura.

“The partnership with UNDP furthers Indosat Ooredoo’s commitment to advancing the COVID-19 recovery of the nation by enabling our mobile clinics to play a part in ensuring wider access of free vaccines to communities in Java and Bali. Also, the partnership emphasized shared values to support the resilience and digitalization of MSMEs and women entrepreneurs as the backbones of the Indonesian digital economy to survive these challenging times. Through this partnership, we seek to bring significant contributions to supporting Indonesia’s awakening as a stronger nation in the future. And of course, to share a spirit of togetherness because we #BisaBangkitBersama,” said Mr. Al-Neama, referring to the company’s current campaign meaning “we can rise together”

The collaboration on the development of the women’s entrepreneur ecosystem in Indonesia will tap into the network of UNDP’s Youth Co: Lab platform. As an incubator for start-ups and social enterprises led by youth, Youth Co:Lab focuses on engaging with youth from the eastern part of Indonesia.

The planned public survey on MSMEs will build upon UNDP’s previous joint study on 1,180 MSMEs across 15 provinces in 2020, in partnership with University of Indonesia’s Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM). The study confirmed the ferocity and the depth of COVID-19 pandemic to Indonesia’s economy where nine out of ten MSMEs experienced falling demand for their products during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet

About Indosat Ooredoo

Indosat Ooredoo (IDX: ISAT), member of Ooredoo Group, is building Indonesia’s leading digital telco, enabling access and greater connectivity for everybody and every business. Indosat Ooredoo aspires to enrich the lives of Indonesians in the digital world.

The Company reported 60.3 million mobile customers as 2020 and operates 62,887 4G BTS covers nearly 90% of population. For other information about Indosat Ooredoo, please contact:

Steve Saerang, SVP – Head of Corporate Communications

+62 816 100 930

E-mail          : steve.saerang@indosatooredoo.com

Website       : www.indosatooredoo.com

YouTube      : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChs2x7pZ2D8UgHz9cgrn3sQ

Facebook    : http://www.facebook.com/IndosatOoredoo/

About Ooredoo

Ooredoo is an international communications company operating across the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. Serving consumers and businesses in 10 countries, Ooredoo delivers the leading data experience through a broad range of content and services via its advanced, data-centric mobile and fixed networks. Ooredoo generated revenues of QAR 28.9 billion as of 31 December 2020. Its shares are listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.

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Disclaimer

This document may contain certain financial information and results of operation, and may also contain certain projections, plans, strategies, and objectives of Indosat Ooredoo, that are not statements of historical fact which would be treated as forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable law. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events and Indosat Ooredoo’s future results to be materially different than expected or indicated by such statements. No assurance can be given that the results anticipated by Indosat Ooredoo, or indicated by any such forward-looking statements, will be achieved.

MEDIA CONTACTS

UNDP Communication Specialist, Tomi Soetjipto, suryo.tomi@undp.org