The ASEAN region has great potential to become a center for innovation and growth in the digital economy. In 2022, internet users in the region reached 460 million users, with 100 million users joining within the last three years. In fact, the ASEAN e-commerce sector generates more than US$130 billion and is projected to become one of the fastest-growing regional digital economies.
The Minister of Communications and Informatics, Budi Arie Setiadi, stated as Chair of ASEAN in 2023, Indonesia will optimize digital potential and digital connectivity for all ASEAN countries.
"Indonesia has a responsibility to lead and direct ASEAN countries according to the ASEAN digital roadmap, including the ASEAN Digital Masterplan and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity," he said at the ASEAN Digital Connectivity Seminar to Strengthen the Epicentrum of Growth for the Regular Education Program LXV 2023 for the the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) in Central Jakarta, Kominfo, Tuesday (22 August).
According to the Minister of Communications and Informatics, currently, Indonesia is a major player in the ASEAN digital economy by contributing around 40 percent of the total ASEAN digital economy transactions.
"In line with digitalization trends and potential, the Indonesian Government continues to accelerate the national digital transformation agenda, including strengthening digital connectivity, especially through the ASEAN Chair in 2023," he said
Therefore, in the 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship, the Ministry of Communications and Informatics oversees two Priority Economic Deliverables under the ASEAN Economic Pillar, namely the ASEAN Framework on Logistics for Digital Economy Supply Chain Rural Area and Regulatory Pilot Space to Facilitate Cross Border Digital Data Flow to Enable Self-Driving Car in ASEAN.
Meanwhile, in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural pillar, the Ministry of Communications and Informatics oversees the Guideline Development on Management of Government Information for Combating Fake News and Disinformation in the Media.
"I believe that the programs that are being carried out and will be carried out by Indonesia in its role as Chair of ASEAN this year will support this goal, especially through increasing digital connectivity, which can contribute to improving the economy in the ASEAN region," said Minister Budi Arie.
Ministry of Communications and Informatics Public Relations Bureau