Activate Digital Literacy Generation For A Stronger Indonesian Economy

Photo: Doc. Antara

JAKARTA - September 8 is celebrated as World Literacy Day. As announced by UNESCO in 1966, World Literacy Day aims to remember the importance of literacy for individuals, communities, and the community as well as the need for intensive efforts for the public to be literate.

Now, along with the rapid development of technology accompanied by changes in people's lifestyles, literacy is seen not only as it was originally planned but is increasing as literacy in using and utilizing digital technology.

As a leading digital telecommunications company in Indonesia, PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom) has a responsibility to support the development of digitalization in Indonesia by providing digital infrastructure and digital service platforms.

Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) of the Republic of Indonesia, Erick Thohir said, developing Indonesia's digital economy will become an integral element of growth ambition, with the potential to reach IDR 4,500 trillion, or eight times faster than the country's GDP growth.

However, at this time, Indonesia only uses 1 percent of digital talent, while the minimum total required is 20 percent. Therefore, Telkom and Telkomsel, as state-owned digital telecommunications companies, must be the backbone for Indonesia's digital economy", Erick said in a written statement, Sunday, September 25.

Since the beginning of the transformation journey led by Erick Thohir, PT Telkom Indonesia has continued to focus on digital business and become the largest digital telecommunications company in Southeast Asia. This transformation into a digital business is in line with the mission

The Indonesian government for equitable distribution of digital access to all corners of the country. Until June 2022, Telkom has presented various infrastructures such as fiber optic cables along 171,654 kilometers across the archipelago and 255,107 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) that serve 8.9 million IndiHome customers, serving 169.7 million Telkomsel customers who are connected to the world via the internet.

To achieve digital sovereignty, there are at least three factors that need to be considered, in particular: the environment, society, and the digital economy. A successful digital environment can be created through infrastructure development.

Based on data from the Ministry of Finance, from 2019 to 2022 the investment budget for digital infrastructure development will reach IDR 75 trillion. In the development of digital sovereignty, digital literacy and inclusion of the community must be increased to improve the quality of digitalization and support Indonesia's digital transformation.

Digital Transformation is one of the main topics of the G20 Indonesia Presidential agenda. To support this effort, PT Telkom Indonesia has actively participated in the G20 agenda, especially on topics related to digitalization. Telkom's President Director, Ririek Adriansyah, was also entrusted as Chairman of the B20 Digitalization Task Force.

According to data from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Indonesia's digital literacy index is at the level of 3.49 out of the range of 0-5. The data shows a mature level of digital literacy in Indonesia, ready to compete in the era of 5.0. Telkom has formed a strong digital society through various products and services.

Through cooperation with various parties and SOEs, Telkom seeks to improve digital literacy through the development of the PeduliLindung application, implementation of assistance through SOE Houses, provision of Amoeba and Indigo incubation facilities, and various other efforts.

In addition, the environment and the digital community can encourage a strong digital economy ecosystem. Through digitalization, people's living standards increased and had a positive impact on Indonesia's economic growth.

According to a Google report in 2021 by Temasek and Bain & Company, the value of digital transactions in the Indonesian e-commerce sector reached IDR 1,000 trillion or 70 billion US dollars. This value is predicted to increase to 146 billion US dollars by 2025. To support the growth of the digital economy, various products and services are needed by the community and business actors.

Therefore, Telkom presents several solutions such as PaDi MSMEs (MSMEs), Agree (farms and fisheries), Logee (Logistics), BigBox (One Indonesia Data), MySooltan, and many other digital services.

In the future, Telkom has three missions to help the company achieve its vision. First, accelerate the sustainable development of smart digital infrastructure and platforms. Second, developing digital talent to increase Indonesia's capabilities and level in digitalization. Third, lead the formation of a digital ecosystem that provides the best experience for users.

Commenting on Indonesia's digital literacy ambitions, Telkom's President Director, Ririek Adriansyah said, Indonesia's future will depend on how well this country can optimize its wealth and potential in the digital realm.

With the best talent, good technology, and qualified strength. In the business ecosystem, Indonesia can become the main economic player in the region and even the world in the next few years. Telkom will stand with the Indonesian community and government to realize these ideals", said Ririek.