National Digital Awakening

Indonesia's 2045 vision must mainstream digital transformation while still relying on the value of national revival.

KOMPAS/HERYUNANTO

Illustration

Digital transformation marks the "national awakening" of the information technology sector. The accelerated digitalization breakthrough is bringing society to the front gate of the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision, marked by various initiative programs in public service practices in government.

All strategic policies are designed in an e-government system collaboratively, in order to unravel the complexity of problems. The implementation of digitalization in the e-government format continues to be driven through technology adoption, governance, organizational ecosystem and regulatory transition.

Management of digital infrastructure (MID) is required as a strategic instrument in managing information technology (IT) infrastructure. E-government as the "backbone" of effective, efficient and innovative government services must be synchronized within one national policy window. This is where MID plays a role as a parameter of the extent to which digital infrastructure functions optimally, safely and provides benefits.

Also read: Digital Society Transformation

Market potential

The number of internet users has sharply increased, reaching 78.19 percent in 2023, or a 1.17 percent rise compared to the previous year. This can serve as a benchmark that digital-based public sector services are the right choice.

The increase in supply and demand also colors the broadband internet business process. The Speedtest by Ookla survey stated that fixed broadband penetration in households is still below 20 percent. Meanwhile, the results of a study by McKinsey and AT Kaerney stated that the share of fixed broadband has only been reached at 15 percent.

Unfortunately, this growing potential has not been accompanied by the availability of digital infrastructure. Low penetration of fixed broadband, internet speed, high service costs, limited electricity, and regulatory obstacles are still obstacles.

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

Technicians carry out internet network maintenance at a cellular operator's base transceiver station in the Pejompongan area, Jakarta, Wednesday (11/10/2023).

The UN's Digital Government in the Decade of Action for Sustainable Development has become the Open Government Data Index (OGDI) to assist in identifying strengths and opportunities, as well as sharpening the implementation of policies and strategies for internet-based government system development.

The variables used include the online service index (online) or online service index (OSI), the telecommunications infrastructure index or telecommunication infrastructure index (TII), and human capital index (HCI). Indonesia recorded a score of 0.6824 for OSI, 0.5669 for TII, and 0.7342 for HCI.

This score is above the world average score and is included in the list of very high e-participation index countries, parallel to Denmark, Germany, France, the United States, Korea, Japan, China and developed countries other. This condition is a potential market that the telecommunications industry must compete for.

Technological advances, such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and biotechnology, will increasingly flood the human side of life.

Challenges and threats

A series of changes will occur in the next 20 years. Megatrend 2045 is marked by a global demographic explosion, with the world population reaching 9.45 billion. The Asian region is the land with the densest population levels. The number of elderly citizens is swelling, adding to the burden on the country. Around 68 percent of the world's population chooses to stay in cities, making them vulnerable to new problems.

The international trading flows are rapidly increasing and Asia has become the epicenter of the world's economy. The global finance is integrated into an international network system. On one hand, this creates growth opportunities, but on the other hand, it poses threats due to the control and monopoly of dominant countries.

Natural resource crises, such as water, energy and food, continue to threaten. It is feared that this will lead to social conflict due to inequality and instability. This condition is exacerbated by climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather and loss of biodiversity. Meanwhile, technological advances, such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and biotechnology, will increasingly flood the human side of life.

That is why, Indonesia's Vision 2045 must prioritize digital transformation through the development of super platforms, speeding up digital transformation, and fostering talented digital human resources. Digital transformation must be based on fundamental principles of adaptive, inclusive, empowering, sovereign, and sustainable development.

New awakening

Demographic bonus is not always profitable. Massive use of digital technology does not always have a positive impact. The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) report states that in 2045 it is estimated that Indonesia's population aged 15-64 years will reach 214.2 million people out of a total population of 329.1 million people. This means that the productive age group will be large and contribute 65 percent of the total population.

The opportunity for economic growth and demand for job markets will continue to be dynamic. By implementing digital transformation, the government is predicted to be able to create 9-12 million new job opportunities.

The problem is, digitalization is also eroding the potential job market. Around 60 percent of the working age population in Indonesia in six main sectors, such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, trade, retail, manufacturing, accommodation services, culinary, construction and education, are at risk of being threatened by automation programs.

Also read: Beware of the Side Effects of Digital Transformation

The new civilization colors every side of life, building relationships instantly and without limits. However, this technological "dividend" has not immediately encouraged awareness to optimize the positive potential in just government practices above social and legal equality. Media which is expected to be able to build messages of divinity and humanity, as well as generate a spirit of revival, often turns towards destroying the ideals themselves.

Therefore, on this National Awakening Day, it is good to contemplate how this nation can achieve greatness through technology, but still rely on the values of national awakening, which are to rise with nationalism, to have a sense of unity and togetherness towards a new civilization of Indonesia Emas.

Eko Wahyuanto, Lecturer at Multi Media College-STMM MMTC Yogyakarta

ARSIP PRIBADI

Eko Wahyuanto