Communication Minister Encourages MSMEs to Go Digital

Minister of Communication and Information Johnny G. Plate on the launching of National Digital Literacy Program. (Photo: PR of Ministry of Communication and Information)

Ministry of Communication and Information has encouraged MSME actors to shift from conventional trading to digital trading.

The effort aims to boost the existence of MSME and to help them rebound amidst COVID-19, according to Minister of Communication and Information Johnny G.Plate.

“We immediately took quick steps by establishing the Ministry’s Digital Economy Forum which was attended by 11 digital operators who were committed to realizing Indonesian MSMEs as host in their own countries,” he said at the event of Proudly Made in Indonesia National Movement (Gernas BBI) Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Friday (18/6).

Johnny went on to say that one of the supports is to encourage the shifting of trading activities to digital platforms.

“By using the digital service, the potential for online trading can be greater than before as it will not only reach regional market, but also can reach other countries,” he said.

Therefore, Johnny said, the Ministry is committed to providing a high-quality telecommunications network that can be used by business actors in online trading activities, so that they can conduct online trade from their homes without having to meet face to face.

“We have 348,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable length that will create high-quality telecommunications networks in various regions,” he said.

Furthermore, the Minister explained that the Government also has nine satellites to provide a reliable telecommunications networks in various regions so that all citizens even in remote areas can enjoy telecommunications access equally.

“By utilizing the current nine communication satellites, we will be proud since we will have the fifth largest multifunction satellite in the world, named Satria placed in orbit in the fourth quarter of 2023,” he explained.

Johnny continued that Ministry of Communication and Information has also built massive Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) in various regions in Indonesia. Through these efforts, the Government sets target that in the next two years, the BTS will be able to provide 4G cellular access throughout Indonesia.

“We will ensure the presence of 4G signals in all regions as our national digital transformation,” he said.

Moreover, the Minister also stated his commitment to conduct digital training for all MSME actors in various regions. This training is carried out by a number of digital platform owners so that MSME actors can carry out online trading activities optimally in the future.

“The business actors are expected to master the right techniques in doing business using digital platform. We continue to encourage MSMEs to optimize digital technology in various aspects of their business,” he said. (PR of Ministry of Communication and Information/UN) (EST/LW)