"The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that digitalization is a necessity. The government, business actors, and the community are encouraged to be more adaptive in responding to various changes so as to optimize the potential for technological innovation and create added value," the minister remarked at a virtual event on Friday.
Among the fastest-growing digital economy sectors today are transportation and food delivery services, he pointed out.
These services are considered to have succeeded in supporting the economy as well as providing solutions for the need for employment amidst the pandemic, the minister added.
He said he expected transportation and delivery service providers, such as Grab Indonesia, to continue to support the development of the national digital economy.
"We hope that Grab can continue to (play its) role by offering various solutions to support the development of the digital economy, especially in eastern Indonesia," he remarked.
He then listed some solutions for strengthening the digital economy, ranging from encouraging greater contribution of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in the digital economy, improving digital skills and literacy, facilitating digital services, and increasing the participation of business actors in the informal sector.
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Hartarto also said that the government and stakeholders must continuously improve the facilities and infrastructure required so that the development of digital technology can cover everyone.
"Increased cooperation between the government and stakeholders is expected to provide added value for economic progress," the minister remarked.
On a related note, the Investment Ministry is supporting the expedited installation of the 5G network in eastern Indonesia to boost digital economy inclusivity.
Recently, Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said that reliable and quality technology is needed for Indonesia's economic growth.
The implementation of 5G technology in eastern Indonesia is expected to support Indonesia in its pursuit of becoming a digital country, as well as improving the state's economic condition, he added.
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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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