Infrastructure Development Enhances Digital Transformation

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:19 | Industrial Transformation | Editorial INTI

Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia, through the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemenkomdigi), is actively accelerating digital transformation across various sectors. As Reported from Antara News on Friday, January 31, 2025, Director General of the Digital Ecosystem, Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, emphasized that infrastructure development and enhancement will significantly boost Indonesia's digital transformation.

"The development of digital infrastructure is fundamental and cannot be delayed. Without adequate digital infrastructure, we cannot move forward," said Edwin Hidayat Abdullah.

He further highlighted the importance of ensuring well-distributed and sufficient digital infrastructure across all regions of Indonesia. This effort must be complemented by the availability of skilled digital talent and human resources to support the nation’s digital ambitions.

According to projections, by 2030, the number of mobile broadband subscribers in Indonesia is projected to reach 412 million, with data traffic is expected to increase 4.3 times to 581 petabytes per day. These figures underscore the urgent need to robust digital infrastructure and skilled human resources to meet the growing demands of a digitally connected society.

What Infrastructure Needs to be Prepared?

To accelerate digital transformation in Indonesia, strategic steps must be taken to enhance various aspects of infrastructure and the digital ecosystem.

Collaboration among the government, private sector, academia, and society is essential to expand network connectivity, strengthen cybersecurity, and develop public digital services.

Additionally, significant investments in data centers, cloud computing, and smart technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) are crucial to supporting the growth of a digital-based economy.

Supportive regulations, a stable energy supply, and improved digital literacy also play a vital role in creating an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem.

With the right strategies, Indonesia can accelerate digitalization across various sectors and strengthen its global competitiveness.

Below are some specific steps that need to be taken to accelerate digital transformation in Indonesia:

Network and Connectivity
- Expand fiber optic broadband to remote areas and improve internet speeds in urban regions.
- Deploy 5G towers to support IoT and the growing digital industry.
- Leevrage Internet satellites to provide connectivity to rural and remote island areas (e.g., the SATRIA project).
Data and Cloud Computing
- Develop large-capacity data centers to support government, businesses, and the public.
- Provide affordable and reliable local cloud services tailored for SMEs and enterprises.
- Build edge computing infrastructure to enable faster data processing, especially for smart cities and IoT applications.
Cybersecurity
- Implement national protection systems, including firewalls and data encryption for critical infrastructure.
- Establish cybersecurity monitoring centers (SOC) to detect and respond to digital threats in real time.
- Launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on phishing, malware, and data privacy.
Public Digital Services
- Develope of e-government platforms (e.g., Satu Data Indonesia) to streamline public services.
- Introduce digital ID systems (Digital ID) to enable secure access to online services.
- Strengthening digital payment systems such as QRIS and e-wallets to promote cashless transactions.
Digital Education and Healthcare
- Expand e-learning initiatives through high-speed internet, digital platforms, and accessible educational content.
- Promote telemedicine services to provide remote medical consultations, especially in underserved areas.
- Launch digital skilling programs to enhance public digital literacy and prepare the workforce for the digital economy.
IoT and Smart Technology
- Develop smart cities with integrated systems for traffic management, waste disposal, and energy efficiency.
- Implement smart grids to optimize electricity distribution and reduce energy waste.
- Adopt digital agriculture technologies, such as sensors and drones, to improve land monitoring and productivity.
Regulations and Policies
- Enact data protection laws to ensure the security and privacy of digital users.
- Provide investment incentives to attract private and foreign investors in digital infrastructure projects.
- Establish interoperability standards to ensure seamless integration between government and private digital systems.
Energy for Digital Infrastructure
- Ensure stable electricity networks to support data centers, BTS towers, and other critical infrastructure.
- Utilize renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to provide sustainable energy solutions for remote areas.
Cross-Sector Collaboration
- Foster public-private partnerships (PPP) to accelerate the development of digital infrastructure.
- Engage local communities in technology adoption initiatives, such as SME digitalization programs.
Indonesia’s Priorities for Digital Transformation:
- Accelerating 5G deployment in major cities and industrial zones.
- Strengthening the National Data Center to enhance public services and data management.
- Implementing the Digital Talent Scholarship program to enhance digital human resources.

The acceleration of digital transformation in Indonesia requires a unified effort from all stakeholders to build strong infrastructure and an inclusive digital ecosystem. By expanding connectivity networks, improving cybersecurity, developing public digital services, and promoting innovation through data centers, cloud computing, and smart technologies, Indonesia can strengthen its global competitiveness.

Supportive regulations, energy stability, and enhanced digital literacy are also key factors in creating a sustainable digital environment.

Through these strategic steps, Indonesia has a great opportunity to become a digital leader in ASEAN and accelerate technology-driven economic growth.