PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk (GoTo Group), Indonesia’s largest digital ecosystem, and TikTok, the leading global entertainment platform, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gadjah Mada University (UGM) to establish the GoTo x TikTok x UGM Technology Center.
This initiative, located at UGM’s Innovation and Creativity Gallery (GIK), marks the first collaboration of its kind between UGM and two major companies in developing Indonesia’s digital talent.
The partnership aims to prioritize the recruitment and development of Indonesian digital talent in response to the growing demand in the digital sector.
The Vice Rector of UGM, Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho, emphasized the university’s commitment to nurturing innovative and competitive digital talent to advance the country’s digital economy.
GoTo Group’s Chief Technology Officer, Herman Widjaja, reiterated the company’s commitment to enhancing the competency of Indonesian digital talent, aligning with UGM’s vision.
TikTok’s Executive Director for E-Commerce in Indonesia, Stephanie Susilo, highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership in fostering innovation and competitiveness among local talents.
The Technology Center, to be inaugurated alongside the completion of GIK UGM in February 2024, will feature a collaborative workspace and facilities for education, research, and development.
This initiative follows GoTo Group’s recruitment efforts in Yogyakarta and its commitment to establishing technology centers across Indonesia.
Additionally, GoTo Group and TikTok plan to explore further technology collaboration opportunities with UGM. These include developing machine learning-based solutions, an internship program for UGM students, an employee exchange program, and the development of educational resources, including online courses.
These initiatives are expected to enrich GoTo Group’s platforms, enhancing the user experience for consumers and reinforcing the company’s leadership in Indonesia’s digital space.
In 2022, GoTo Group significantly contributed to Indonesia’s GDP and supported numerous micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). TikTok also has a substantial employee base in Indonesia, reflecting the companies’ investment in the country’s digital talent and economy.