Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia's Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, has emphasized that the country's digital economy should advance in parallel with the preservation of its cultural heritage and the strengthening of national identity.
Amid rapid digital transformation, she said Indonesia is uniquely positioned to emerge as a global digital powerhouse without compromising the cultural values that define the nation.
Building a Digital Economy Rooted in National Values
Speaking during a meeting with Minister of Culture Fadli Zon at the Ministry of Culture's office in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, Meutya highlighted Indonesia's strong foundations for realizing this vision.
With approximately 230 million internet users, nearly 80 percent of the population, Indonesia has become one of the key drivers of ASEAN's digital economy, contributing roughly one-third of the region's total digital economic value.
According to Meutya, this enormous potential must be accompanied by the development of a digital ecosystem that is secure, healthy, productive, and firmly rooted in national values.
"Indonesia has a tremendous opportunity to become one of the world's leading digital economies. However, that growth will be far more meaningful if, at the same time, we are able to protect our children, strengthen the character of our younger generation, and ensure that our cultural heritage continues to thrive," Meutya said.
She stressed that digital transformation should not be driven solely by economic objectives. Instead, technology should serve as a tool to reinforce Indonesia's national identity while expanding public access to the country's rich cultural heritage.
Strengthening a Safe and Responsible Digital Ecosystem
As part of this commitment, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is continuing to strengthen the implementation of Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic Systems for Child Protection (PP TUNAS), which serves as the foundation for creating a safer and healthier digital environment for young Indonesians.
Meutya described PP TUNAS as a critical milestone in ensuring that Indonesia's digital space remains not only innovative but also child-friendly and supportive of the healthy development of future generations.
"The digital space must be safe, healthy, and productive. Children need a balanced relationship between the digital world and real life, including opportunities to experience traditional games, arts, culture, and meaningful interactions within their families," she explained.
Beyond strengthening the implementation of PP TUNAS, the ministry is also preparing a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethics framework and an AI roadmap to guide the country's AI development.
The initiative aims to ensure that AI technologies are developed responsibly, inclusively, and in ways that deliver broad societal benefits.
Meutya noted that AI also presents significant opportunities for the cultural sector, from digitizing cultural heritage and expanding access to cultural education to promoting Indonesian culture on the global stage.
"Technology and culture are not opposing forces. When they move forward together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and values-driven digital future," she said.
She concluded by emphasizing that Indonesia's digital transformation will ultimately be measured by its ability to balance innovation, protection, and cultural preservation.
"A successful digital transformation is one that delivers economic growth, safeguards children, and strengthens our national culture. That is the foundation for an advanced Indonesia that is digitally sovereign while remaining true to its identity," Meutya concluded.
Conclusion
Indonesia's digital transformation is envisioned as more than an engine for economic growth. By integrating technological innovation with child protection, ethical AI governance, and cultural preservation, the government aims to build a digital ecosystem that is inclusive, secure, and firmly grounded in the nation's identity. According to Minister Meutya Hafid, maintaining this balance will be essential for achieving a digitally sovereign Indonesia while ensuring that its cultural values continue to thrive for future generations.
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