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Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Information, Budi Arie Setiadi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating equal access to the internet across the country at the Datacomm Solution Day 2024 held in Jakarta. This initiative forms a key component of Indonesia’s broader digital transformation strategy, aiming to bridge the digital divide and create equal opportunities for all citizens.
Minister Budi Arie emphasised that the effort to provide equitable internet access is essential for inclusive development, “We must recognise the importance of equal opportunities, especially in driving an inclusive and empowering digital transformation.”
The government’s strategy encompasses not only infrastructure development but also comprehensive digital literacy and skills training to ensure that all Indonesians can benefit from technological advancements.
One of the major components of the initiative is the reduction of the digital divide, particularly in disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas. The Ministry of Communication and Information is working to extend broadband access to these regions by utilising satellite constellations, building Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), and expanding internet access for public service facilities. The deployment of the Palapa Ring fibre optic network and the launch of the SATRIA-1 Multifunction Satellite are also critical milestones in achieving nationwide connectivity.
In addition to infrastructure development, the government is heavily investing in human capital through various upskilling and reskilling programmes. These initiatives are designed to develop digital literacy at all levels, equipping Indonesians with the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.
At the elementary level, the National Digital Literacy Movement aims to enhance the public’s ability to utilise digital technology effectively. At the intermediate level, the Digital Talent Scholarship (DTS) Programme offers training in areas such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, preparing participants for the evolving demands of the digital workforce.
At the advanced level, the Digital Leadership Academy provides specialised training for senior leaders and policymakers from both the public and private sectors, fostering a new generation of digital leaders.
Furthermore, the Ministry offers master’s scholarships in digital fields, both domestically and internationally, to ensure that Indonesian students receive world-class education in cutting-edge technology. These initiatives collectively aim to build a highly competitive digital workforce capable of driving innovation and economic growth.
Minister Budi Arie highlighted the ongoing success of the government’s efforts, noting that internet penetration in Indonesia has now reached 79.5% of the population. 4G connectivity has expanded to cover 97.42% of residential areas, while 5G connections, still in their early stages, cover 3.53% of the country’s residential regions. These milestones reflect the government’s progress in expanding digital access while paving the way for further advancements in technology.
The collaboration with stakeholders across various sectors has been crucial to the success of these initiatives. “Cross-stakeholder collaboration is key to knowledge transfer and creating an inclusive digital ecosystem,” said Minister Budi Arie. These partnerships ensure that Indonesia’s digital infrastructure is robust, resilient, and capable of meeting the needs of its rapidly growing digital economy.
The event was attended by key figures, including the Director of Government Informatics Application Services, Aris Kurniawan, and other experts and leaders from the technology sector. Together, they discussed strategies to further enhance Indonesia’s digital ecosystem and address the challenges posed by an increasingly connected world.
Indonesia’s efforts to accelerate the equalisation of internet access and digital literacy underscore its commitment to a future where all citizens can participate in and benefit from the digital revolution. The government’s multi-faceted approach, focusing on infrastructure, education, and collaboration, aims to foster a more inclusive, empowered, and digitally savvy society.