MEUTYA HAFID: INDONESIA IS READY TO LEAD AI IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Jakarta – The government continues to accelerate digital transformation to support economic independence, technological mastery, and the development of superior human resources. In accordance with President Prabowo Subianto’s Asta Cita, digitalization is a key factor in strengthening economic resilience and improving people’s welfare.
In the first 100 days of the cabinet, the Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating digitalization in various sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy.
“AI is now an arena for global competition. Indonesia cannot just be a user of technology, but must build an independent and competitive digital ecosystem,” said Meutya Hafid in the Beritasatu Economic Outlook 2025 in South Jakarta, Thursday (01/30/2025).
In a forum themed Accelerating Indonesia’s Economic Growth: Challenges and Opportunities in the New Era, the Minister of Communication and Digital highlighted how innovation, strategy, and readiness to face change are more important than just the amount of investment capital.
“Indonesia has great potential in the digital economy, with GMV estimated to reach USD90 billion in 2024. With the right strategy, we can become a major player in Southeast Asia,” he said.
The government is currently focusing on three main pillars of digital transformation: inclusive, empowering, and trusted. Inclusive by ensuring the involvement of all levels of society and industry in the digital ecosystem; Empowering, emphasizing that technology provides real benefits and supports economic growth, not misused for illegal activities such as online gambling or illegal loans; and trusted, focusing on data security and Indonesia’s digital sovereignty.
2025 is an important momentum in preparing Indonesia to face the 2030 demographic bonus, where 68% of the population is of productive age.
“This is a great opportunity. We must ensure that the younger generation is ready to compete globally with 9 million competent digital talents,” he added.
Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid emphasized that digital transformation cannot be carried out by the government alone. He invited industry, academics, media, and the community to work together to build a strong digital ecosystem.
“We must move together, with a clear vision and the courage to innovate. Indonesia’s digital future is in our hands,” he concluded.
At the event, Menkomdigi Meutya Hafid was accompanied by the Director General of the Digital Ecosystem of the Ministry of Komdigi Edwin Hidayat Abdullah.
Also present were Deputy I of the Presidential Communications Office Isra Ramli, Executive Chairman of B Universe Enggartiasto Lukita, President Director of B Universe Rio Abdurachman, Editor-in-Chief of BeritaSatu Syukri Rahmatullah, and representatives from the national digital industry.
