Indonesia urges culture-centered digital transformation at WSIS

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid encouraged countries worldwide to frame digital transformation as a means of promoting and preserving culture, rather than focusing solely on digital economic gains.

She presented Indonesia’s perspective at a ministerial meeting during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday (July 10), according to a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.

Hafid argued the success of digital transformation should be measured by its impact on public welfare and cultural development, which Indonesia regards as equally vital as technological progress and digital economic growth.

“Digital technology must serve as a bridge between innovation and culture. Local languages, traditional knowledge, and local communities must be part of the digital future,” she stressed.

The minister used the WSIS Forum as a platform to call for international cooperation in realizing inclusive digital transformation, emphasizing human resource development, technology transfers, sustainable financing, and stronger involvement of developing nations in global digital governance.

Sharing best practices, Hafid highlighted the Indonesian government’s efforts to develop digital infrastructure, boost people’s digital proficiency, and master new technologies while improving digital governance and cybersecurity.

These measures proceed in alignment with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals to provide better and more accessible public services, she added.

She further noted that Indonesia’s digital transformation had manifested in the operations of the SATRIA1 satellite, the optimization of the nationwide optical fiber network Palapa Ring, and ongoing expansions of 5G service coverage to enhance digital connectivity.

"Connectivity, however, is not the end goal. Digital transformation must stimulate productivity, create economic opportunities, and improve quality of life,” the minister explained.

Bearing that in mind, she said the government is striving to double the value of the national digital economy by 2030 from the current level of around US$100 billion, which already accounts for nearly one-third of Southeast Asia’s digital economy.​​​​​​​

Hafid went on to assure the international community of Indonesia’s commitment to a safe digital space, highlighting a 2025 government regulation addressing child protection in electronic system governance.

The regulation mandates digital platforms to strictly verify the age of users and classify service risks to strengthen child online safety.

Additionally, the Indonesian delegation reiterated the importance of a responsible, ethical, and people-centered approach to the development and use of artificial intelligence as part of the digital transformation agenda.

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Translator: Pamela Sakina, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Primayanti

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