Jakarta, INTI - Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Angga Rakha Prabowo has called for Indonesia’s digital transformation to deliver tangible benefits to society, ranging from improved welfare and greater opportunities for MSMEs to expanded access to education.
Angga made the statement during the 81st Post and Telecommunications Service Day ceremony, themed “Digital Connectivity for a Sovereign Indonesia,” in Bandung, West Java, on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
He emphasized that the success of Indonesia’s digital transformation should no longer be measured solely by how much of the country has access to internet connectivity, but also by the changes experienced by communities after gaining access.
Shifting Digital Transformation Toward Empowerment
During the ceremony, Angga reflected on the events of 81 years ago, when Indonesian youths took control of the Post, Telegraph, and Telephone (PTT) Office in Bandung from Japanese authorities as part of the struggle to establish national sovereignty over telecommunications infrastructure.
“Today, the nature of that struggle has changed. We are no longer fighting to take control of communication facilities. Our task now is to ensure that Indonesia can build, control, and harness digital progress for the benefit of the nation and the state,” Angga said.
According to Angga, the development of Indonesia’s digital ecosystem needs to move beyond simply connecting people toward empowering them.
“The question we need to keep asking is not only how connected Indonesia has become, but what changes after people are connected. Do children gain better access to education? Do MSMEs gain access to wider markets? Can people access public services more easily? And does technology create more opportunities to improve people’s welfare?” he said.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is encouraging several pillars of digital transformation to advance simultaneously in order to establish comprehensive digital sovereignty.
These efforts include providing equitable and high-quality connectivity, creating opportunities for innovative economic activities, and developing a secure and trusted digital ecosystem for the public.
Government and Industry Urged to Strengthen Collaboration
Angga said that building digital sovereignty cannot be achieved by the government alone and requires collaboration with industry players and the broader telecommunications and postal sector.
The government’s role is to establish regulations and policy direction, while industry players contribute through investment and technological innovation.
“We may have different roles, but we share the same goal: ensuring that technological progress becomes a force for Indonesia’s advancement. Let us continue working together to connect Indonesia, empower communities, and safeguard our digital space,” Angga said.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s digital transformation is increasingly focused on turning connectivity into tangible social and economic benefits. By strengthening collaboration between government and industry, the country aims to ensure digital technology expands opportunities, improves public services, supports MSMEs, and contributes to broader community empowerment.
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