Airlangga: Indonesia's Digital Economy Potential Reaches 133 Billion US Dollars

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto. (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs (Menko Perkonomi) Airlangga Hartarto said Indonesia has the potential for the digital economy to reach 133 billion US dollars (US). Realizing this great potential, the government is committed to continuing to encourage digital transformation in the country.

"The potential that can be available in Indonesia in the digital sector is 133 billion US dollars and for ASEAN 300 billion US dollars. Therefore, the 4.0 industrial revolution continues to be encouraged," he said, during the 'Virtual 100 Economist Workshop', Tuesday, September 15.

According to Airlangga, Indonesia has considerable capital in carrying out digital transformation and realizing this potential. This is reflected in the 180 million people who are able to access the internet.

Furthermore, Airlangga said, of the 180 million people, as many as 150 million people are active internet users and 105 million of them are online service users.

"32 percent of the population of internet users are Gen Y aged 20 to 39 years. In accordance with the majority of workers," he said.

Even so, said Airlangga, of a total of 83,218 villages, only 70,670 villages or 84.92 percent received or were able to access 4G network services. Therefore, the government will continue to encourage the expansion of the 4G network to 12,548 unreached villages.

The details are 9,113 villages are in underdeveloped, frontier, outermost (3T) areas and 3,435 in non 3T areas.

"The government is planning digital infrastructure, expanding 4G. There are 12,548 villages that have not been reached by 4G, this will continue to be encouraged, including for 3T areas," he said.

Not only that, Airlangga said, the government was also making preparations for the 5G internet network in stages. According to him, this internet network trial will be limited.

"The trial priority is in areas that want a fourth industrial revolution or integrated industrial areas. Trials are limited," he said.