Social activity and mobility restrictions have encouraged the digital economy to grow significantly.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s 2022 G20 presidency ensures that economic digitalization can provide equitable and vast benefits for the community, Deputy for Macroeconomic and Financial Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Iskandar Simorangkir stated.

"The momentum (offered by the presidency) is very important to encourage economic recovery through digital transformation," Simorangkir noted while delivering his remarks at the 2022 Indonesian Digital Financial Economy Festival (FEKDI) monitored online here on Friday.

Simorangkir remarked that the application of digital economy is a solution to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and expedite economic recovery.

"Social activity and mobility restrictions have encouraged the digital economy to grow significantly and have made several countries to establish various forums to increase the use of digital technology," he noted.

The use of technology also had an impact on the growth of new sectors, such as e-commerce, fintech, edu-tech, health-tech, agriculture, and online media, he remarked.

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According to the report of Google, Temasek Holdings and Bain & Co, the value of digital economy in Indonesia increased by almost US$70 billion (Rp1,055 trillion) in 2021 and was recorded as the largest one in the Southeast Asian region.

The deputy also believed that the digital economy sector will continue to grow, considering the massive utilization of smartphones as well as information and communication technology infrastructure.

Furthermore, he noted that in supporting development of the sector, the government had implemented various digital talent development programs, such as the Pre-Employment Card, the national digital literacy movement, digital talent scholarships, as well as digital leadership academy.

He emphasized that digital-based economic transformation must be conducted optimally across all community levels, in both urban and rural areas.

In addition, he called to expedite digital-based governance in business, social, or governmental sectors.

Simorangkir expressed optimism that the 2022 FEKDI, which is a side event of Indonesia’s 2022 G20 presidency, would serve as a forum to ensure that the digitalization process can benefit the community and expedite economic growth.

"Hopefully, all of us can remain optimistic in striving through this (COVID-19) pandemic and can use the opportunity to accelerate our economic growth," he affirmed.

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Translator: Kuntum Riswan, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
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