Sri Mulyani Says Digital Economy May Create Gap Without Equal Infrastructure

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati talked about the potential of the digital economy to create democracy and equality since anyone can access diverse information anywhere.

“So exclusivity is declining,” Sri said at the 2023 Digital Summit at the Four Season Hotel, South Jakarta, on Tuesday, November 28.

However, she acknowledged that the digital economy could also lead to inequality because of the digital divide. She pointed out that in Indonesia, there are many significant differences in terms of internet connectivity and speed, such as between Jakarta and Java, which has led to new gaps.

To address this issue, she stressed the need for investment in the infrastructure sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ministry allocated an additional budget to the Ministry of Communication and Information to build satellites, fiber optic cables, base transceiver stations (BTS), and other facilities to narrow the gaps.

Additionally, Sri assessed that the digital economy could change the job market by eliminating old jobs and creating new ones. “Just like climate change, new job [opportunities] will be created, and some old jobs will disappear,” she added.

Therefore, the government must be always forward-thinking, adaptable, and open-minded to developments to formulate regulations and policies. “To be able to reduce the digital divide,” the minister remarked.

Sri Mulyani also acknowledged that Indonesia’s vast territory adds complications and challenges to this effort.

MOH. KHORY ALFARIZI

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