Menkominfo: Development Of Indonesia's Digital Ecosystem Must Be Inclusive

Menkominfo Johnny G Plate (doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Communication and Informatics (Menkominfo) Johnny G Plate ensures that the development of digital ecosystems in Indonesia must be inclusive of all Indonesian citizens. No exception for people with disabilities in remote areas in Indonesia.

"The government believes that digital transformation is not only a physical form of digital infrastructure, but also about how technology can increase the capacity of society in an inclusive and humane manner," said Minister Johnny at the opening of the National ICT Online Competition for Disabilities, Friday, November 27.

He continued, this National Online ICT Competition for Disabilities is an effort of the Ministry of Communication and Information and BAKTI to expand opportunities and develop a more inclusive digital ecosystem in Indonesia.

"There is ample space to ensure equal digital access for friends with disabilities, in order to be able to increase their capacities and capabilities," added Johnny.

Previously, the Ministry of Communication and Information had conducted two trainings in 2016 and 2017 with 500 participants each. The Minister of Communication and Information said, many participants came from frontier, remote and disadvantaged (3T) areas.

"This shows the involvement of technology that can answer challenges and as an equalizer," said the Minister of Communication and Information.

He also mentioned that Kominfo is currently finalizing the Digital Roadmap 2024. The initiative is to increase ICT accessibility, opportunities to improve the quality of people with disabilities in education, health services, and broad participation in economic, social, cultural and community midwives.

"This is a forum for developing digital talent that is able to compete in the present and in the future, so as to encourage the realization of a fair and dignified Indonesian digital society," said the Minister of Communication and Information.

"And we hope that friends with disabilities will be included as an integral part and component of our nation. National solidarity in ensuring an inclusive digital transformation in Indonesia," he added.

Furthermore, he said the government through his ministry is committed to strengthening internet connectivity in various parts of the archipelago.

Starting from the construction of BTS in 12,548 villages and sub-districts that have not been served by 4G signals by 2022, to placing large, multifunctional satellites to support 150 thousand unserved public service points, especially for education, health, village government and other public services.