Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi, here, Tuesday, drew attention to the fact that Indonesia still encounters several issues related to internet connectivity that should be improved.

Setiadi became a speaker at the Merdeka Barat 9 discussion forum and the launch of the 2023 Government Performance and Achievement Report, organized by ANTARA News Agency, the Communication and Informatics Ministry (Kominfo), and the Presidential Staff Office (KSP).

"There are three internet connectivity issues, namely capacity, coverage, and quality," he remarked.

He noted that internet penetration in Indonesia is currently at 78 percent, which means 22 percent of Indonesian citizens still do not have internet access.

He emphasized the need to improve the quality of internet in the country, as the average internet speed reaches 22 Mbps.

"We rank 9th out of 10 in Asia and 98th in the world in terms of internet speed. This is a big 'homework'. If we want to become a developed country, we need to heed the issue of internet speed," he explained.

He emphasized that internet connectivity, in addition to digital literacy, is essential in the digital transformation program being bolstered by the government.

"Digital transformation covers all aspects, including digital infrastructure, digital government or e-government, digital economy, and digital society. These four pillars must run together," he stressed.

Furthermore, Setiadi remarked that Indonesia is a country that has a unique geography with mountains and contours. Hence, he emphasized that digital infrastructure in Indonesia cannot solely rely on one technology.

"Digital infrastructure cannot use one form of technology, but it must be diverse. For example, fiber optics are used for urban areas but satellite technology for outermost areas. We call it the 'sky toll road,' which means that we combine various technology options (in providing internet)," he remarked.

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Translator: Rangga, Yashinta, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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