Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Launching of 2021 Digital Connectivity Program and the COVID-19 National Vaccination Movement’s Series Stamps, Friday, 26 February 2021 at the State Palace, Jakarta

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Good morning,

Peace and prosperity be upon us all,

Om Swastiastu,

Namo Buddhaya,

Greetings of Virtue.

Distinguished Ministers of Indonesia Onward Cabinet;

Distinguished Governors, Regents and Mayors in attendance;

Distinguished partners of Digital Talent Scholarship;

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Esteemed Guests.

In the past five years, the Government has been working hard to build our national connectivity. Apart from sea toll, development of railroad networks, toll roads, border roads, airports and seaports, we have also been building digital connectivity that connects all corners of the archipelago through the sky toll. All of these are not only aimed for the sake of the economy but also to unite our very large country, which consists of islands, to speed up education and health services, to support cultural synergy of the archipelago and certainly to strengthen our unity and integrity as a great nation.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Government has made efforts to develop digital connectivity and digital talent through a host of programs; namely provision of the Satellite of the Republic of Indonesia (Satria) capacity, construction of base trans-receiver station (BTS) towers, the Digital Talent Scholarship program and the National Digital Literacy Movement. I appreciate all elements, especially Ministry of Communications and Informatics for the hard work.

However, I have a few notes. Palapa Ring’s utilization must be increased, not only by 50 percent. We must increase its utilization in central and eastern Indonesia, which is still around 20 percent. I appeal to Minister of Communications and Informatics to ensure that Palapa Ring does not just stop as a backbone. However, it must be connected to households so that the large investment in the Palapa Ring can immediately be utilized by all of our people which is very much needed amid pandemic just like today.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Digital transformation is a fast and strategic solution to bring Indonesia to the future. However, it is also essential to create digital sovereignty and independence. We must ensure that digital transformation does not only benefit outsiders. Don’t just add imports. This is what I always emphasize. Digital sovereignty and independence must be an important principle in our digital transformation. Digital transformation must boost the use of domestic component level (TKDN) and push for mastery of cutting-edge digital technology by all children of the nation.

We are not a nation that favors protectionism. We are not. Because history has proven that protectionism is detrimental. However, we must also not fall victim to unfair practices from the world’s digital giants. Digital transformation is a win-win solution for all. I hope that the 2021 Digital Connectivity Program will become an important momentum that can connect the Indonesian nation with new technologies, with a new mindset, with new global business opportunities and with a new future towards an advance Indonesia.

However, digital connectivity must adhere to the nation’s sovereignty amid today’s globalization and hyper-competition.

That concludes my remarks on this auspicious opportunity.

And this morning I launch Indonesia Digital Connectivity Program.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.