We need to have good human resources.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Communication and Informatics Ministry (Kominfo) encourages regional governments to participate in boosting people's digital literacy in their regions to realize equality in digital skills development across Indonesia.

"We need to have good human resources," Communication and Informatics Minister Johnny G. Plate noted through a press statement on Tuesday after meeting with West Sulawesi's governor a day prior.

"I request the attention of West Sulawesi's governor and all governors in Indonesia. There is a digital literacy program that we implement for 12.5 million people in 2021," he noted.

The central government is seeking the participation of 50 million people in the digital literacy program until 2024. West Sulawesi's participation for this program remains low.


Related news: Bank BJB, Pertamina Retail develop digital pay, Pertashop

The ministry recorded that only 58 thousand people from West Sulawesi participate in digital literacy training, while the total number of participants from across Indonesia reached 12.5 million people.

Everyone, including housewives, merchants, and also youngsters, can participate in the Digital Literacy Program.

"For instance, if there are MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) who do not understand the basics of digital literacy, then how can their marketplace run well," Plate remarked.

In addition to digital literacy, the minister requested regional governments to encourage their people to participate in the Digital Talent Scholarship and Digital Leader Academy.

The former is for medium-level digital skills and the latter is for upper-level digital skills.


Related news: Digital literacy priority for G20 success: ministry

Regional governments are urged to push their students and bachelor graduates to join the Digital Talent Scholarship program, while regional heads and leaders of private companies can participate in the Digital Leadership Academy.

"I expect the Kominfo Office heads to possess digital fluency," Plate remarked.

"If not, then how would they handle SPBE (Electronic-based Government System) and how would they implement smart city, especially in dealing with MSMEs, e-commerce, and eradicating illegal fintech or online loans," he elaborated.

Plate expects regional governments to not only focus on the telecommunication infrastructure request but also seriously prepare human resources to meet the demand.

"We expect that infrastructure development can also be downstreamed to continue the development of digital skill training from the basic to medium and high level," he remarked.


Related news: TNI commander apprises lawmakers of strategic changes in Papua


Related news: Jokowi promotes Pagar Alam to be Indonesia's first zero-emission city

Translator: Natisha A, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022