Jakarta, INTI – Indonesia’s growing dependence on imported technology is increasingly seen as alarming amid the rapid adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) across multiple sectors. This condition not only weakens national data security but also contributes to the decline of local industries and limits the availability of quality jobs for younger generations. In response to these challenges, a number of national figures voiced the importance of building a technology industry based on national self-reliance during the Doorstop Tech Connect forum held recently in Jakarta. The discussion served as a shared space for reflection to realign the direction of national technology development so that it becomes more sovereign, ethical, and human-centered.
Indonesia Seen as Trapped as a Global Technology Consumer
Founder & Chairman of APTIKNAS, Ir. Soegiharto Santoso, SH, highlighted the tendency for Indonesia to be continually positioned within global agendas merely as a consumer market for technology. In fact, with a population of around 280 million people, Indonesia has enormous potential to build its own technology industry capable of absorbing domestic labor.
He emphasized that developing a national industry is not solely an economic matter, but also concerns sovereignty, national pride, and technological independence. Excessive dependence on imported products is considered to pose a risk of weakening local industries and exacerbating waves of layoffs.
IoT and AI Are Important, but Must Be Human-Centered
In the discussion, Dharma Pangrekun, a Senior Cybersecurity Leader and former government official, stressed that the use of IoT and AI is indeed unavoidable in boosting productivity and national competitiveness. These technologies have been widely applied, ranging from law enforcement and healthcare services to the food sector.
However, he cautioned that technological development should not focus solely on sophistication, but must continue to prioritize a human-centric approach. According to him, adopting technology without a proper understanding of its risks could potentially create new problems, particularly related to ethics and data security.
National Cybersecurity Deemed Not Yet Ready
Responding to questions regarding the readiness of the national security system, Dharma firmly stated that Indonesia is not yet fully prepared to face the threats of data breaches and cyberattacks. The root of the problem, he explained, lies in the lack of technological self-reliance.
Dependence on foreign systems and products leaves Indonesia vulnerable and weakens its bargaining position in formulating strategic policies. He also pointed out the social impacts that arise, such as limited access to decent jobs for higher education graduates, who are ultimately forced to work in the informal sector or seek employment abroad.
The Importance of Technology Transfer and Protection of Local Industries
The speakers agreed that collaboration with foreign parties remains necessary, but it must be accompanied by a strong commitment to technology transfer. Indonesia should not merely serve as a market, but must gain knowledge and technical capabilities to stand independently in the future.
Calls to love and use domestic products were also conveyed as a concrete step to sustain local industries while strengthening the foundation of the national economy toward the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045.
Strengthening Human Resources and Research as the Key to the National IoT Ecosystem
Meanwhile, Zulfadly Syam, Head of Digital Security and Data Protection at the Indonesian Telematics Society (MASTEL), highlighted the weak development of human resources and research within the national technology ecosystem. According to him, technological development will not be sustainable without serious investment in digital talent and research.
He observed that Indonesia too often adopts finished products without a strong research process, placing the country merely in the position of a seller or buyer. Ideal collaboration among government, industry, and academia is expected to strengthen research, improve human resource quality, and create competitive local innovations.
Infrastructure Challenges in an Archipelagic Nation
The discussion also touched on the challenges of IoT connectivity in Indonesia as an archipelagic country. Building digital infrastructure across thousands of islands is indeed not an easy task, but the speakers agreed that it must be carried out gradually and sustainably.
Inter-regional connectivity is considered a crucial foundation to support an inclusive and equitable national digital transformation.
Conclusion
Through the Doorstop Tech Connect forum, stakeholders reaffirmed that Indonesia’s technological future cannot rely solely on adoption. It must be accompanied by industrial self-reliance, strengthened human resources, continuous research, and policies that favor national interests. Without concrete action, the grand vision of Indonesia Emas 2045 risks becoming nothing more than a slogan devoid of meaning.
Read More: Data Breaches, Imported Tech, and the Future of Indonesia at techonnect event