TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The latest survey conducted by the Indonesian Internet Providers Association (APJII) revealed that internet users in Indonesia increased from 175 million users to 220 million users, driven by communication needs during the COVID-19 pandemic in the last two years.

"The effect of the pandemic is very significant on internet use in Indonesia," said APJII chairperson Muhammad Arif Angga during a webinar on digital transformation, Thursday, June 9, 2022.

Based on the Indonesia Internet Survey for 2021-2022 (Q1), the country's internet users have reached 220 million people. Before the pandemic, the figure amounted to 175 million people.

The Internet penetration rate was also high reaching up to 77 percent.

The surge in the number of users and internet usage was greatly driven by the pandemic as people had to use the internet for daily activities, work, school, and shopping.

"[The number] grows up because more and more people are using the internet. It is also supported by the existing digital infrastructure," said Arif.

The increase in internet usage in Indonesia was also evident from the rising number of internet service providers. To date, APJII’s members reaches 750 companies.

Arif pinned hopes that the internet will be more evenly distributed throughout Indonesia as digital technology will affect the digital industry, digital economy, and other sectors.

ANTARA

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