Heaptalk, Jakarta — Minister of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) Budi Arie Setiadi urged the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) to strive for an inclusive digital transformation future.
“APT has achieved significant milestones in enhancing regional cooperation in the telecommunications and information and communication technology sectors. Let’s collaborate towards a more inclusive and sustainable digital future,” he stated while opening The 21st APT Telecommunication/ICT Development Forum (ADF-21) in Central Jakarta on Tuesday. (06/08)
Minister Budi Arie highlighted that APT has enabled each country to leverage ICT to reduce the digital divide and support sustainable growth.
He noted that “According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), digital technology contributes up to 70 percent towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
For this reason, the Indonesian government is developing a comprehensive plan, the Digital Indonesia Vision 2045, based on ecosystem, sectoral, and territorial approaches to address the digital divide.
“In 2023, only 52% of rural residents used the internet, compared to 80% of urban residents. ICT pilot projects for rural areas are crucial to bridge this gap and ensure digital benefits for all Indonesians,” explained the Minister.
Minister Budi Arie also revealed Indonesia’s efforts to enhance connectivity through the equitable development of digital infrastructure, including 5G telecommunications networks, fiber optic cables, Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), and the SATRIA-1 Multifunctional Satellite.
“This infrastructure is vital for Indonesia’s digital economy and inclusive growth. These initiatives aim to bridge the digital divide, providing reliable and fast internet for all Indonesians,” he stated.
The Minister hoped the ADF-21 meeting would be a productive discussion forum and strengthen regional cooperation in the telecommunications sector. The meeting, scheduled from August 6 to 8, 2024, will discuss the three main pillars of the APT Strategic Plan 2024–2026: digital connectivity, digital transformation, and trust and security.
“I am honored to welcome the delegates to this three-day forum. I hope the discussions will maximize the potential of ICT in the Asia-Pacific region,” he concluded.
