Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia During Third Session of G20 Summit on Digital Transformation, at The Apurva Kempinski Hotel, Badung Regency, Bali Province, November 16, 2022

Your Excellencies, I hereby declare that our meeting is open again.

Starting the third session, let me repeat the message I conveyed at the opening of the Summit yesterday. Stop the war. I repeat, stop the war. Lot is at stake. A lot is at stake. War will only hurt the people. The global economic recovery is impossible if the situation does not improve. As leaders, we all have a responsibility to ensure a favorable global situation for a better future of the world.

Your Excellencies,

The digital economy is the key to a better future of global economy. As a pillar of resilience throughout pandemic, contributing 15.5 percent of global GDP and opens opportunities for everyday people to become part of global supply chains.

As the G20 President, Indonesia is promoting for digital transformation to accelerate global recovery. Under the Indonesian Presidency, the Digital Economy Working Group has been carried out. This year, the G20 also encourages the development of potential start-ups through the Digital Innovation Network.

There are three things to focus on. First, equality of digital access for 2.9 billion people around the globe who are not connected to the internet, including 73 percent of the less-developed countries’ population. Digital infrastructure is also not evenly distributed; 390 million people live in areas without wireless internet. We must correct this inequality immediately. The G20 must be able to mobilize investment to build affordable digital infrastructure for all.

Second, digital literacy. Digital literacy is not an option, but a must. Digital literacy must reach all so that the people around the globe can participate in the future economy. The G20 must be able to drive cooperation to increase digital capacity for developing countries.

Third, safe digital environment. Hoax and cyberbullying can break unity and threaten democracy. Data leaks due to cybercrimes are likely to cause economic losses of up to US$5 trillion by 2024. Therefore, digital security and privacy protection must be impeccable. The G20 must be able to build trust in the digital sector, including through global digital governance.

Your Excellencies,

We must work hand-in-hand to ensure digital benefits can be felt by everyone. I invite Your Excellencies’ contribution to create a safe, inclusive, and useful digital environment for all.

Your Excellencies,

That concludes my remarks. We will then continue with closed discussion.

With all due respect, the media crew could please leave the meeting room. Thank you.

(GWH/LW)