TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's e-commerce industry is expected to not only support the economy, but also becomes the state's backbone in facing the digital economy era.

"Indonesia could be the biggest digital economy country in Southeast Asia. This is a realistic dream that we can make come true together, Communication and Information Minister Rudiantara said.

Ernst & Young data showed that Indonesia's online sales value increases by 40 percent each year. With about 93.4 million internet users and 71 million smartphone users, by late 2014 the e-commerce business value in Indonesia reached US$12 billion. The value is projected to reach US$18 billion by the end of this year.

The government aims to make Indonesia Southeast Asia's biggest digital economy country by 2020, reaching an online business value of US$130 billion with an annual growth of 50 percent. To achieve the goal, the government will launch the e-Commerce Roadmap, targeting to have 1,000 newtechnopreneurs with a business valuation of US$10 billion.

The Indonesia e-Commerce Roadmap draft is currently being finalized by the cabinet. President Joko Widodo is expected to soon hold a closed meeting, to provide directions for implementing initiatives and solutions in the e-commerce business.

The government also plans to provide stimulus for e-commerce business players, while seeking the support from non-profit organizations to campaign e-commerce into becoming a national movement.

Indonesia currently faces six issues hampering the e-commerce business growth: funding, tax, consumer protection, communication infrastructure, logistics, as well as education and human resources.

RR