From Connectivity to Progress: Zulfadly Syam's Vision for Indonesia’s Internet Future

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:26 | Internet and Telecommunication |   Editorial INTI


From Connectivity to Progress: Zulfadly Syam's Vision for Indonesia’s Internet Future

Jakarta, INTI – In an exclusive interview conducted directly by the INTI Media team on Monday, February 17, 2025, Mr. Zulfadly Syam, General Secretary of the Indonesian Internet Service Provider Association (APJII) shared his insights on Indonesia’s internet development and its impact on various sectors.

The internet has become an inseparable part of Indonesian society. Not only as a means of communication, but it has also become the backbone of various sectors, ranging from education and economy to public services. The development of the internet in Indonesia over the next five to ten years will be even more rapid and have a significant impact on various aspects of life.

Expanding Internet Connectivity

Currently, Indonesia, with a population of approximately 290 million, shows a high trend in internet penetration. According to the latest APJII survey, around 79.5 percent of Indonesians are connected to the internet. This figure indicates that approximately 270 million people in Indonesia are familiar with using the internet in their daily lives.

"We see this development as something positive. With a large population, the more people who are connected, the greater the opportunities to improve quality of life through the internet," said Mr. Zulfadly.

Positive Impact on Education

One of the sectors most affected by the internet is education. If used effectively, the internet can bridge the gap in education quality between urban and rural areas.

"Previously, we saw that the quality of education abroad and in Indonesia had a significant gap. However, with the internet, access to information and educational materials has become easier. This should help reduce that gap," he added.

With the availability of various online learning platforms and digital resources, students in remote areas can now access the same learning materials as those in major cities. This is an important step toward equalizing education quality in Indonesia.

Enhancing Indonesia’s Global Competitiveness

Beyond education, another sector that greatly benefits from internet development is the digital economy. The internet provides opportunities for businesses to compete both nationally and internationally. With the widespread adoption of digital technology, Indonesia is expected to enhance its competitiveness across various industries, from e-commerce to the creative economy.

Furthermore, Mr. Zulfadly highlighted that the internet can also help reduce economic disparities between regions in Indonesia. "In the past, rural and urban areas had a significant gap in access to information and economic opportunities. Now, with the internet, business owners in villages can market their products worldwide," he explained.

Challenges That Still Need to Be Addressed

Despite the rapid growth of the internet in Indonesia, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Some of these include uneven infrastructure in certain areas, the need for improved digital literacy, and the increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats.

"The government and internet service providers must continue to collaborate to ensure that internet access is not only widespread but also secure and of high quality. Digital literacy is also key to ensuring that people can use the internet wisely and productively," concluded Mr. Zulfadly.

Conclusion

The development of the internet in Indonesia has brought many positive changes, particularly in education and the digital economy. With increasing internet penetration, it is expected that the gap between urban and rural areas will continue to narrow, and Indonesia’s global competitiveness will strengthen. However, challenges such as infrastructure equity and digital literacy must be continuously addressed to ensure that the benefits of the internet reach all levels of society.

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