JD.com drone delivery

Credit: JD.com

The first government-approved drone delivery in Indonesia has been completed by JD.com in collaboration with the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Indonesian Government.

The delivery was made to the Mis Nural Falah Leles elementary school in Jagabita Village, Parung Panjang in Indonesia.

“These tests are an opportunity for Indonesia to become a leader in the Southeast Asia region by leveraging drone delivery to improve access,” said Timothy Reuter, head of drones and tomorrow’s airspace at the World Economic Forum.

Indonesia’s some-17,000 islands pose a significant challenge for last-mile logistics and placing drones into operation could help give citizens access to efficiency and reliability of service despite their locations, Jon Liao, JD’s chief strategy officer said in an article for the World Economic Forum.

“It will also play a role in making same-day and next-day delivery a reality across the country. This, in turn, will raise the bar for customer service throughout the country,” said Liao.

“We believe, however, that this is just the beginning. Drone delivery has the potential to completely change the face of global logistics.”

JD.com has been quick to move into the ecommerce scene across South-East Asia, recognising the markets potential and operates JD.id across the country.