LocationsUNDP Policy Volume: Indonesia Needs a Strong Digital Inclusivity Index
November 11, 2024
Opening session at the launch of UNDP Indonesia's newly Policy Volume, Bright Prospect, Lingering Shadow
Jakarta, 11 November 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia today released a new policy volume, “Bright Prospect, Lingering Shadows: Toward an Inclusive Digital Transformation in Indonesia.” The report highlights three critical challenges that, if unaddressed, could exacerbate inequality and social divides in Indonesia’s digital future. The three challenges include the digital divide, issues surrounding digital rights and ethics, and the risk of polarization.
As Indonesia advances towards a more inclusive and equitable digital future, tackling these challenges is essential. The policy volume offers valuable insights and recommendations for all relevant stakeholders, from government to development partners, think tanks, and civil society to navigate and mitigate these issues.
Recommendations include narrowing the digital access gap in eastern provinces and undeserved regions, safeguarding personal data and ensuring ethical use of algorithms, providing targeted digital literacy programs for marginalized communities, empowering young people and the general public against disinformation, and establishing a Digital Inclusivity Index that can help to encapsulate various dimensions of digital transformation, including digital access, literacy, data protection, and other criteria that need contribution from all stakeholders.
Nezar Patria, Vice Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs delivering keynote speech at the launching event
At the Policy Volume’s launch event, Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Nezar Patria discussed the government’s vision and the ongoing challenges to achieving digital inclusivity. He stated, “Digital transformation is not merely an option; it is the pathway to Indonesia’s digital future. Indonesia has set an ambitious target of 8% economic growth, and one way to reach this is through significant investment in the ICT sector. That’s why we are fully committed to this goal. However, challenges persist, particularly the digital divide between urban and rural areas. In response, the Government of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs, has developed a comprehensive digital strategy focused on the digital economy, digital society, digital governance, and digital infrastructure. I would like to appreciate UNDP who has launched this policy volume, which we believe will also contribute to this crucial work.”
Vice Minister of Health, Dante Saksono Harbuwono delivering remarks at the launching event
Vice Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono further emphasized the importance of inclusive digital transformation in the health sector, highlighting examples such as the success of the ongoing collaboration with partners like UNDP on the digital logistical system SMILE, which has harnessed the power of digitalisation for increasing efficacy, outreach, and better health outcomes.
UNDP Indonesia Resident Representative, Norimasa Shimomura delivering welcoming remarks during the launch of the event
UNDP Indonesia Resident Representative Norimasa Shimomura underscored the publication’s message, stating, “Addressing the digital divide, reinforcing ethical standards, and countering polarization are essential to harnessing the benefits of digital transformation for all Indonesians. Empowering women in digital spaces is also vital to accelerate the country’s progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although the gender gap in digital access is narrowing, elder women and those with lower education levels still face significant challenges to gain digital access and literacy. We need to ensure that women can have more meaningful participation and contribution towards Indonesia’s digital transformation.”
Bright Prospect, Lingering Shadows: Key Findings
The recommendations presented are based on key findings resulting from UNDP’s collaboration with experts in digital issues to uncover critical challenges, including:
- Digital Access Gaps: In 2022, internet usage in Jakarta reached 84.7% for the population aged 5 years and older, compared to just 26.3% in Papua, underscoring a profound regional divide. Urban households had an Internet penetration rate of 90.9%, while rural areas lagged at 80.5%.
- Gender and Age Disparities: In 2022, the gap in internet access between men and women narrowed, with 63.8% of men and 63.5% of women online. However, older women, those in rural areas, and women with less formal education still face significant barriers to digital access.
- Disinformation (Hoax) Risks: An estimated 82 million Indonesians are vulnerable to digital propaganda in the context of the 2024 election, with Gen Z – which takes up to 27.94% of the total population – being susceptible to it.
- Polarization and Echo Chambers: Online platforms can reinforce political echo chambers, isolating users in like-minded groups and potentially deepening social divides.
Panel discussion at the launch event. Attending by experts in various sector.
At the Policy Volume launch, a panel of policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and experts in technology sector shared their insights and perspectives on how to address these challenges and build a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape for Indonesia.
For full access to the policy volume, Bright Prospect, Lingering Shadows: Towards an Inclusive Digital Transformation in Indonesia, please visit https://go.undp.org/ozh.
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with partners in 170 countries, UNDP helps nations to build integrated, sustainable solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at www.undp.org/Indonesia or follow at @undpindonesia.
Media Contacts
Nabilla Rahmani
Head of Communications UNDP Indonesia
Nabilla.rahmani@undp.org