Indonesia's digital economy potential is valued at US$133 billion, while in the ASEAN, it reached US$300 billion.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government will keep striving to bolster digital transformation, with Indonesia's digital economy potential having reached US$133 billion, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated.

"Indonesia’s digital economy potential is valued at US$133 billion, while in the ASEAN, it reached US$300 billion. Hence, we must continue to encourage the Industrial Revolution 4.0," Hartarto noted during a virtual discussion here on Tuesday.

The minister remarked that Indonesia possessed sufficient capital for digital transformation and for tapping the potential since 180 million of the population had internet access.

Of the 180 million internet users, 150 million are active users and 105 million are online service users.

According to Hartarto, of the total 83,218 villages, 84.92 percent, or 70,670 villages, can access 4G network services.

"Some 32 percent of our population are Generation Y in the age band of between 20 and 39 years," he stated.

Hartarto made assurance that the government would continue to foster the development of digital infrastructure, such as 4G network expansion in 12,548 villages yet to avail the service. "This is especially in the outermost, frontier, and least developed (3T) areas, where there are nine thousand villages," the minister stated.

The multi-function SATRIA satellite will also become operational in 2023 to connect 150 thousand public facilities that comprise schools, local government offices, health facilities, and ministries/institutions.

Satellite of the Republic of Indonesia (SATRIA) project is currently the country’s biggest telecommunication satellite, valued at US$550 million.

"Next, we will prepare 5G services, with its trial prioritizing regions ready for the fourth industrial revolution or integrated industrial area," he revealed.

The industrial reform and digital transformation are projected to enable the national economic recovery and bolster the country's economic foundation for sustainable development.

"It would enable economic transformation to help the country emerge from the middle-income trap, with the required growth of 5.7 to six percent," he added.
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Translator: Astrid FH, Sri Haryati
Editor: Suharto
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