Jakarta, INTI - The Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, stressed that digital transformation in the ASEAN region should not be assessed solely by the adoption of advanced technologies or the size of the digital economy, but by how evenly those technologies deliver tangible benefits to society.
Digital Literacy and Inclusivity as Key Success Factors
According to Meutya, discussions around the pace of digital development are often confined to indicators such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and digital economic growth.
“The narrative of digital speed is often trapped in figures related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and the value of the digital economy. Yet the biggest challenge for Indonesia and ASEAN is ensuring that these technologies are accessible to hundreds of millions of people across the region,” she said.
She emphasized that inclusivity is a critical component of digital readiness, particularly as Southeast Asian countries are experiencing a demographic bonus.
“A demographic bonus will only be beneficial if the people are skilled. Therefore, we must look at how quickly we can educate and improve digital literacy among our population,” she added.
Meutya also noted that the pace of digital infrastructure development must go hand in hand with efforts to accelerate digital literacy, particularly among younger generations.
She warned that without sufficient digital skills, communities would be unable to fully harness the potential of technology.
ASEAN Advances a Regional Digital Economy Framework
Meutya Hafid revealed that ASEAN is currently formulating the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) as a collective framework to accelerate digital economic growth across the region.
She explained that DEFA is not merely a trade agreement, but is intended to function as a kind of operating system that strengthens cross-border digital connectivity within ASEAN.
One tangible outcome of regional digital cooperation is the interoperability of digital payment systems, with Indonesia’s QRIS now usable in Thailand and Malaysia.
She also highlighted ASEAN’s strategic strength derived from the region’s neutral stance amid global geopolitical dynamics.
“ASEAN’s neutrality provides certainty that the region remains open to the entire world,” Meutya emphasized.
This position is seen as creating broader opportunities for investment and access to technology for all member states without reliance on any single global power bloc.
Conclusion
Meutya Hafid’s remarks underscore that ASEAN’s digital transformation must prioritize inclusivity alongside technological advancement. By aligning infrastructure development with digital literacy, advancing a regional framework such as DEFA, and leveraging ASEAN’s neutral position, the region aims to build a digital economy that delivers equitable benefits, strengthens cross-border connectivity, and attracts broader investment without deepening dependency on any single global power.
Read more: US Energy Secretary Urges Doubling of Global Oil Production at Davos