The government strives to utilize opportunities presented by the pandemic to expedite the transformation of digital technology by boosting infrastructure development
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communications and Informatics reaffirmed the resolve to expedite the development of communication infrastructure to drive national economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The ministry's efforts to sustain economic recovery is not only through providing pandemic-related information to the public but also by ensuring the provision of telecommunication infrastructure as one of the basic public requirements," the ministry's COVID-19 pandemic handling and national economic recovery public communication team deputy head Rosarita Niken Widiastuti stated at a virtual press conference on Thursday.

The ministry strives to ensure telecommunications and digital infrastructure are available nationwide, as the COVID-19 pandemic compels several sectors in society to expedite their transition to digital technology and access, she stated.

The development of telecommunications infrastructure this year includes installation of backbone, middle-mile, and last-mile digital network infrastructures, Widiastuti remarked.

The ministry had also installed 12.339 kilometers of fiber-optic cable at multiple locations, enhanced satellite capacity by 27.58 Gbps, and developed 4G network infrastructure at 70,670 villages, she noted.

Apart from developing telecommunications infrastructure, the ministry also promotes the utilization of online technology to local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to expand their market reach, the deputy head remarked.

"The government strives to utilize opportunities presented by the pandemic to expedite the transformation of digital technology by boosting infrastructure development," Widiastuti stated.

The ministry, in collaboration with regional authorities and online marketplace companies, has introduced and trained 22,080 national MSMEs to apply online technology in their businesses, she remarked.

Apart from assisting MSMEs, the ministry has also provided development assistance to 30 national start-up companies and organized digital literacy training for over 12 million residents, the deputy head revealed.

To expedite national economic recovery, the deputy head has encouraged residents to get their vaccines and adhere to health protocols while conducting their daily activities.

"The government has urged residents to not be picky regarding the vaccine brands because the best vaccine is the one available to us," Widiastuti emphasized.

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Translator: Natisha A, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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