Gov’t Launches 2021 Digital Connectivity Program

President Jokowi launches the 2021 Digital Connectivity Program and the COVID-19 National Vaccination Movement Series Stamps, Friday (26/02), at the State Palace, Jakarta. (Photo by: Cabinet Secretariat PR / Jay)

The Government has renewed commitment to realize national connectivity by developing both physical connectivity and digital connectivity throughout Indonesia.

According to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, the development of digital connectivity is aimed not only for economic interests but also for strengthening unity and integrity of Indonesia as a great nation.

“The Government has been working hard to build our national connectivity. Apart from sea toll, the developments of railroad network, toll road, border roads, airport, seaport development, we have also been building digital connectivity that connects all corners of the archipelago through the sky toll,” the President said during the launching of the 2021 Digital Connectivity Program and the COVID-19 National Vaccination Movement Series Stamps at the State Palace, Jakarta, Friday (26/02).

The Head of State also pointed out that the development of digital connectivity is expected to speed up education and health services, as well as to support the country’s cultural synergy.

The President also expressed appreciation to Ministry of Communications and Informatics for organizing a host of programs to deploy connectivity and digital talent, including the provision of the Satellite of the Republic of Indonesia (Satria) capacity, construction of base transceiver station (BTS) towers, the Digital Talent Scholarship program and the National Digital Literacy Movement.

The President also underscored the need to increase the utilization of the Palapa Ring, which is currently still low, particularly in the central and eastern parts of Indonesia.

“I appeal to Minister of Communications and Informatics to ensure that Palapa Ring does not just stop as a backbone. It must be connected to households so that the large investment in the Palapa Ring can immediately be utilized by all of our people, let alone during the pandemic,” he said.

On the occasion, the President also signed the Cover of the First Day of the Covid-19 Vaccination Series Stamps.

In the meantime, Minister of Communications and Informatics Johnny reported that the launching of this series stamps depicted Indonesia as a country that quickly and swiftly tackles the COVID-19 pandemic through COVID-19 vaccination for the public to achieve herd immunity.

“In the future, stamps can be issued digitally using the barcode method for tracking and tracing and equipped with augmented reality features to make it more detailed and interesting,” the Minister remarked. (FID/UN) (MUR/EP)