Gov’t Announces Five Priorities to Speed Up Digital Transformation

Communications and Information Technology Minister. (Photo by: Ministry of Communications and Information Technology)

Technology-based health solution is one of the breakthroughs that continue to be developed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Johnny G. Plate has said.

According to the Minister, it is also one of the Government’s agendas in speeding up digital transformation.

The Minister also pointed out that telemedicine as a remote health service allows patients to consult health workers without having to meet face-to-face.

“Many people have now switched to telemedicine services,” he said at the opening of a public discussion titled “Telemedicine for Improved Quality of Health Services” at Ministry of Communications and Information Technology building in Jakarta, Saturday (22/8).

Citing data from McKinsey (2000), the Minister said 44% of respondents stated that they had switched from face-to-face to online consultation.

“Online media and research company in economics and business Katadata also recorded a-600% rise in visits to telemedicine applications during the pandemic period,” he said, adding that this new habit in the health sector is a strong indicator that the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a catalyst that accelerates digital transformation in the country.

“The momentum, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s directives, should not be overlooked and should instead be capitalized on. This effort is included in the big frame of the agenda for the Acceleration of National Digital Transformation,” he said.

For the record, the Government through Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is currently working on accelerating national digital transformation with five priorities as follows:

First, completion of high-speed internet infrastructure development in 12,548 villages/sub-districts and 150,000 public service points (including health services), which so far have not been reached by adequate internet services.

Second, construction of a National Data Center (PDN) which is a prerequisite for the realization of the One Data Indonesia policy; as well as farming and re-farming the radio frequency spectrum for network efficiency and the development of 5G technology.

Third, development of comprehensive and sustainable human resources in the digital field starting from the level of digital literacy, digital talent to the level of leadership in the digital age.

Fourth, consolidation of digital economy ecosystem by facilitating programs such as MSMEs/micro financing (UMi) selling online, digital technology utilization by farmers/fishermen, and digital startups development.

Fifth, completion of primary legislation supporting the digital ecosystem, particularly Bill on Personal Data Protection (RUU PDP) and Bill on Job Creation in the telecommunications/broadcasting sector which is expected to speed up digitalization of national television. (Ministry of Communications and Information PR/EN)

Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas