Jakarta, INTI –In an exclusive interview conducted by INTI Media on the INTI Talk segment, Ashwin Sasongko, Chairman of the Working Group for the Forum on the Association and Ministry of Digital Communication, emphasized the urgency of developing local technology products to ensure Indonesia’s digital independence.
The Digital Surge: Indonesia’s Rapid Tech Growth
With one of the world's largest internet user bases, Indonesia is experiencing a rapid and transformative surge in ICT (Information and Communication) adoption. "Technology is evolving at an extraordinary pace in Indonesia, remarked Aswin, pointing to the country's widespread internet penetration and accelerating innovations as key drivers of its digital transformation
The Core Challenge: Building, Not Just Importing
Reflecting on discussions from the Forum, Ashwin emphasized that Indonesia must transition from a tech consumer to a tech producer. “We can not just keep importing everything, we need to start building our own."” he asserted. The main challenge, he noted, lies in developing Indonesia’s own ICT products both hardware and made ICT products, both hardware and software, supported by strong design capabilities and a skilled digital workforce.
Furthermore, He also stated that South Korea and Vietman are the examples of countries that have managed to bring their local innovations to the global market from electronics to electric vehicles. “If Vietnam can build and export their own electric cars, Indonesia should also be capable of producing world-class ICT products,” he stated.
The Missing Piece: Talent and Engineering R&D
To realize the shift from being a consumer to a producer, Ashwin stressed that sustainable digital industry cannot thrive without serious investment in research, development, and innovation: "Without R&D, how can we create local products? in Europe they say, it is the product that counts."
He reiterated that a product—not just plans or policies—must be the end result of all tech development efforts. Otherwise, Indonesia risks becoming nothing more than a marketplace for foreign goods while continuing to export only raw materials and commodities.
Policy Direction: A Balanced and Inclusive Ecosystem
Ashwin identified two policy priorities for the Ministry of Digital Communication going forward. First, the need for a comprehensive ecosystem approach, taking into account various stakeholders—from operators and consumers to national income and affordability levels. “Operators shouldn’t be overburdened to the point they collapse, but they also shouldn’t be allowed to exploit the system,” he noted, emphasizing the need for balanced regulation that supports both industry health and public benefit.
Second, Ashwin called for stronger collaboration with universities, research institutions like BRIN, and domestic tech industries to build Indonesia’s own innovation capacity. This includes nurturing talent through education, increasing investment in R&D, and encouraging the private sector to develop indigenous technologies.
Conclusion: Toward Indonesia’s Digital Sovereignty
Indonesia stands at a critical crossroads in its digital journey. Aswin Sasongko’s insights highlight that achieving true digital sovereignty requires more than adoption—it demands homegrown innovation, robust R&D, and a skilled talent pool. Without building and exporting its own technology products, Indonesia risks remaining dependent on foreign innovations and missing out on the economic benefits of a thriving digital industry.
The path forward lies in unified efforts: strong policies that balance growth and fairness, deep collaboration across government, academia, and industry, and a relentless focus on developing local capabilities. With these in place, Indonesia can transform from a digital consumer into a global technology leader, shaping its own future in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
Read More: Ashwin Sasongko - Key Challenges in Building an Inclusive Digital Future for Indonesia | INTI TALK