Jakarta, INTI - Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid presented Indonesia's digital transformation model, which emphasizes a balance between connectivity, digital economic growth, and public protection, at the United Nations' World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026: Leaders SummitX. She stressed that digital transformation should be built on three core pillars, Connected, Growing, and Protected, to ensure technological progress not only accelerates development but also safeguards society.
Addressing global leaders, regulators, and digital stakeholders, Meutya said Indonesia's experience demonstrates that digital transformation cannot be measured solely by internet penetration or the size of the digital economy. More importantly, technology must create a digital ecosystem that is safe, inclusive, and trustworthy.
Expanding Digital Connectivity While Strengthening Online Safety
The Connected pillar focuses on expanding equitable digital access across the country. Indonesia continues to strengthen its digital infrastructure through the SATRIA-1 satellite, which now connects more than 31,000 public service facilities, while expanding broadband connectivity by allocating spectrum for 5G networks across the nation's more than 17,000 islands.
"Under the Connected pillar, we believe digital access is a fundamental right for every citizen. No one should be left behind due to limited connectivity," Meutya said on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
However, she emphasized that connectivity without adequate safeguards can create new risks, particularly for children. This is why the Protected pillar places human safety at the center of Indonesia's digital transformation agenda.
As part of this commitment, the government has introduced child protection regulations requiring high-risk Electronic System Operators (ESOs) to implement strict age verification measures. Under the new policy, children under the age of 16 are no longer permitted to independently create digital accounts.
Meutya revealed that during the first few months of implementation, more than five million children's accounts were closed or deactivated after digital platforms adjusted their systems to comply with the new regulations. The policy is intended to create a safer online environment while ensuring platforms fulfill their responsibility to protect young users.
"Children's safety should not rely solely on voluntary commitments from digital platforms. Governments must establish clear standards, and platforms must implement them consistently," she stated.
Beyond child protection, Indonesia is also promoting greater transparency and accountability among digital platforms to strengthen public trust in the digital ecosystem. According to Meutya, trust is a fundamental driver of sustainable digital economic growth.
Building an Ethical AI Ecosystem for Sustainable Digital Growth
Through the Growing pillar, Indonesia aims to capitalize on its demographic dividend. Approximately 68 percent of the country's population is of productive working age, while Indonesia ranks among the world's top ten countries in interest in generative AI. More than 70 percent of organizations across the country have already adopted artificial intelligence technologies in various operations.
To ensure AI development remains ethical and responsible, the government is finalizing a Presidential Regulation on AI Governance, which will serve as the foundation for Indonesia's National AI Roadmap. The regulation is expected to provide legal certainty for innovation and investment while ensuring AI development aligns with Indonesia's values and serves the public interest.
"Our goal is not simply to create AI users. We aim to nurture AI innovators, creators, and responsible leaders. Indonesia aspires to help shape the future of the global digital landscape, not merely become a technology market," Meutya concluded.
Conclusion
Indonesia's three-pillar digital transformation strategy, Connected, Growing, and Protected, reflects its commitment to building an inclusive, secure, and innovation-driven digital future. By expanding digital access, strengthening online safety, and advancing responsible AI governance, the country aims not only to accelerate its own digital development but also to contribute to shaping a trusted and ethical global digital ecosystem.
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