Minister Of Industry Agus Gumiwang Emphasized The Important Digital Transformation Of The Industrial Sector To Accelerate Economic Recovery

Minister of Industry, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Industry (Menperin) Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita emphasized the importance of digital transformation in the industrial sector in order to accelerate economic recovery.

The Minister of Industry said the G20 Forum was born in response to the global economic crisis in 1997-1998, which urged the government to find a common solution so that the world can get out of a prolonged crisis and create strong and sustainable economic growth.

But now when the world is hit by a multidimensional crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social restrictions, he continued, have resulted in a decline in demand for goods and services, disrupting global supply chains, and causing a overall recession.

"Unlike previous world crises, this time we know a term called digital connectivity, which then accelerates digitalization in various economic activities," said the Minister of Industry at the Trade, Investment, and Industry Ministerial Meeting (TIMM) G20 in Bali, Thursday, as stated in a written statement, quoted from Antara, Friday, September 23.

Characteristics of contactless digitalization, according to him, is now becoming increasingly relevant, especially during the pandemic. Characteristics brought by the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, he continued, allows the industrial sector to continue operating remotely despite the lockdown.

"This makes digitally advanced industries more able to face the impact of the pandemic and adapt to new normality," said the Minister of Industry.

Moreover, he continued, one of the priority issues in Indonesia's G20 presidency is "Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialization Via Industry 4.0" which shows the role of Industry 4.0 in encouraging digital transformation and the realization of the implementation of green industry to achieve inclusive and sustainable industrialization.

With these challenges, more strategic policies are needed to reconstruct production capacity that can adapt to these structural changes, including ensuring the creation of a conducive policy environment for the manufacturing industry, one of which is through open and unsustained support for trade and investment policies.

"So that in the future, we can be confident in facing unexpected events in the future, and of course without forgetting those who are most vulnerable to the impact of the crisis, and ensuring that none of the countries are left behind," said the Minister of Industry.

The Minister of Industry also called for solidarity which is the key to opening up better and fairer future possibilities according to the spirit of G20 collaboration for "Recover Together, Recover Stronger."

"So, everyone had the opportunity to gather and share their views. Not only discussed issues related to trade and investment, but also together to discuss industrial issues," said Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang.