Jakarta (ANTARA) - Communication and Informatics Minister Johnny G. Plate has urged the public to utilize the internet for the benefit of all to support the realization of digital sovereignty for all Indonesians.

"We are now entering the struggle for the third stage of sovereignty, digital sovereignty. Our job is to prevent the creation of new digital colonies," he said in a press statement on Wednesday.

Indonesia had previously entered two phases of sovereignty, which consist of the first phase, namely national sovereignty during the independence proclamation, and second phase, when the nation is fighting for maritime sovereignty.

Digital sovereignty became the third phase that the people should fight for, so that digital access and benefits can be obtained by everyone.

He urged every ecosystem to reflect the struggle of the nation's founders, from Soekarno to Mohammad Hatta, when they fought against colonists and foreigners to proclaim Indonesia's political sovereignty.

"They fought with their blood and life, even though it hurts. Now, all of us have the job to realize the nation's ideals," he added.

The struggle for the nation's sovereignty does not end in the independence proclamation period, but continued to maritime sovereignty fought for through the Djuanda Declaration, the minister stated.

Digital sovereignty is just as important to be fought for, to maintain equal access that can be utilized wisely and optimally.

Moreover, Plate lauded State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Telkom Group for helping to realize digital sovereignty in Indonesia.

Through various provisions of communication service access to collaboration with the government, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Telkom Group provided technological access to the people, at a higher level than before.

Due to Telkom Group, people can still communicate with one another through the existence of digital technology, he remarked.

With the company entering its 27th anniversary, he expects that Telkom Group can continue to collectively develop the nation and realize the national digital transformation vision.

Related news: Publisher's rights support national digital sovereignty: MPR speaker
Related news: KPU presses for digital sovereignty during election digitalization



Translator: Livia K, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022