Indonesia's inclusive digital transformation model attracted global attention at the Leaders TalkX forum in Geneva, Switzerland.

Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, emphasized that digital development must reach every citizen without exception.

Connectivity as a Fundamental Right, Not a Privilege

“Digital connectivity is a right for all people, not a privilege for a select few. The internet must reach rural areas, urban centers, and even remote regions,” said Meutya during a panel titled “The Role of Governments and All Stakeholders in the Promotion of ICTs for Development” on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

She underlined Indonesia’s integrated approach to digital transformation, combining infrastructure development, human resource capacity building, and digital literacy as a model that could be replicated by other countries.

4,132 Villages Connected Through Digital Access

As of July 2025, the 10,000 Digital Villages Program, run by the Ministry of Communication and Digital through the Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI), had reached 4,132 villages in frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped regions (3T).

This initiative has provided over 3.8 million residents with digital access for the first time.

Infrastructure and Human Capital as Digital Foundation

The government has constructed 7,500 BTS towers to expand 4G services in non-commercial areas. In parallel, the Palapa Ring fiber optic backbone now connects all provinces.

“Our target is for 90 percent of Indonesia’s population to be connected to broadband internet by 2030, and 100 percent by 2045. This is part of the Digital Indonesia Vision 2045,” Meutya said.

Indonesia is also reinforcing its digital foundation with the development of a National Data Center and digital talent programs such as the Digital Talent Scholarship and the National Digital Literacy Movement.

International Recognition at Geneva Forum

The forum was attended by ministers and high-ranking officials from countries including Cambodia, Ghana, Iran, Russia, Guinea, Somalia, and Turkey.

Their attendance reflected international recognition of Indonesia’s efforts in realizing an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.

PHOTO: KEMKOMDIGI

This article was created with AI assistance.