Indonesia Switches On Campaign to Get Everyone Online

KOMPAS.com – The Indonesian government has agreed to make the cost of digitalization affordable as it pushes ahead with plans to connect more people to the online world, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartanto said at a virtual event with Grab Indonesia June 30.

“The price of smartphones is expected to be more affordable. Thus, more people will be able to use smartphones,” said Minister Airlangga.

The goal of making the cost of digitalization increasingly affordable is for Indonesian society to have more digital awareness.

Read also: Erick Thohir: Coronavirus Pandemic Pushing Indonesia to Go Digital

In doing so, more of the Indonesian public will be able to benefit from economic equality through e-commerce.

Currently, there are some parts of Indonesian society that lack access or are unable to take advantage of digital services.

This is in spite of the inevitability of digital transformation. During the coronavirus pandemic, the migration from offline to online channels have become a necessity in society.

Read also: Anies Baswedan: Coronavirus Pandemic Shows Benefits of Digital Technology

“Several countries have pushed for the digitalization of the economy to avoid falling behind,” said Airlangga who is also the Chairman of Indonesia’s Golongan Karya political party.

Airlangga suggested that the Indonesian government harness the momentum of the coronavirus pandemic in accelerating digital transformation efforts in the country.

Regular as well as sustainable mentoring and training will be essential for Indonesian SMEs to survive and progress in the digital ecosystem.

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“Through digitalization, the number of value chains will decrease, therefore, creating improved efficiency. Even the small vendors selling basic goods online must be appreciated and we hope to see more of these businesses,” said Airlangga.

For a more digital Indonesia

The Ministry of Communications and Informatics has also aligned itself in accelerating the country’s digital transformation process.

The Minister of  Communications and Informatics Johnny Plate has requested a budget of Rp 22.57 trillion for the government’s National Digitalization plans.

The ministry’s budget will be used to speed up the completion of information technology and communication infrastructure, developing a National Data Center, advancing the digital economy, and supporting digitally talented human resources.

Read also: Coronavirus Pandemic Seen Pushing Up to 5 Million Indonesian Workers Out of Jobs

Based on Minister Johnny’s data, Indonesia has 83,218 villages and village offices in which 70.670 has 4G internet access.

The ministry has been asked by the People’s Representative Council of Indonesia Commission I to improve telecommunications infrastructure and services particularly in the smaller villages during a meeting on June 23. 

(Writer: Mikhael Gewati, Conney Stephanie | Editor: Mikhael Gewati, Yudha Pratomo) 

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2020/06/30/21211811/dorong-cost-digitalisasi-murah-airlangga-ingin-harga-smartphone-makin

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