Digitalization Boosts Productivity Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: Ministry

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Director General of Financing and Risk Management (DJPPR) of the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) Luky Alfriman believes that digital technology can boost the people's productivity amid restrictions on their activities owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The challenge for us all in a pandemic situation is how we can stay productive in the wake of all these limitations," Alfriman noted during an online discussion in Jakarta, Saturday.

Alfriman believes increased productivity can be witnessed in the Ministry of Finance that is mandated to stay optimally responsible, as the manager of state finances, in the midst of a pandemic.

He cited the example of the finance ministry utilizing digital technology during the implementation of the Work From Home (WFH) System, particularly in fulfilling meeting invitations.

According to Alfriman, productivity has risen since over three meetings could be held in a day through the use of digital technology.

In addition, Alfriman noted that the technology that offers virtual meeting facilities is also able to save time since it annuls the need to spend time on the road.

"Virtual like this, using IT is even more productive since all meetings can be held without necessitating transportation time," Alfriman stated.

Meetings conducted virtually also minimize the potential for time lost owing to delayed meetings, thereby boosting productivity.

Moreover, Alfriman admitted that advancements in digital technology allowed him to attend two meetings at once by utilizing different devices.

"Hence, we can have a meeting with two laptops or an iPad, so we can handle a lot," he stated.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ayo Belajar (Let's Study), Nadhira Nuraini Afifa, remarked that virtual meetings helped boost the contribution of meeting participants in providing suggestions or criticism.

"The meeting’s participants can contribute more because usually when they are virtual, all faces are visible," he remarked on the same occasion.

Indonesian jazz pianist Joey Alexander stated that digital technology offered a novel experience through holding virtual concerts, so more people could enjoy them.

"This is an extraordinary festival and it has never taken place. Hence, I, as a musician, can experience music virtually, although the audience cannot be physically present," he added.

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ANTARA