Jakarta, July 11, 2026 – The Europe Today: Indonesian Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid has called on countries around the world to ensure that digital transformation serves as a tool for preserving and promoting culture, rather than focusing exclusively on economic gains from digitalization.
Speaking at a ministerial meeting during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, Hafid said the success of digital transformation should be measured by its contribution to public welfare and cultural development alongside technological advancement and digital economic growth.
She stressed that digital technology should bridge innovation and culture, emphasizing that local languages, traditional knowledge, and indigenous communities must remain integral to the digital future.
Highlighting Indonesia’s vision for inclusive digital transformation, Hafid called for stronger international cooperation in areas including human resource development, technology transfer, sustainable financing, and greater participation of developing countries in global digital governance.
The minister outlined Indonesia’s progress in expanding digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, strengthening governance and cybersecurity, and adopting emerging technologies. She noted that these efforts are aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to deliver more accessible and efficient public services.
Hafid pointed to key milestones in Indonesia’s digital transformation, including the operation of the SATRIA-1 satellite, the nationwide Palapa Ring optical fiber network, and the continued expansion of 5G services to improve nationwide digital connectivity.
She emphasized that connectivity is only the foundation of digital transformation, adding that technology must ultimately drive productivity, create economic opportunities, and improve people’s quality of life.
The minister also reaffirmed Indonesia’s ambition to double the value of its digital economy by 2030 from its current level of approximately US$100 billion, which already represents nearly one-third of Southeast Asia’s digital economy.
Reaffirming Indonesia’s commitment to a secure digital environment, Hafid highlighted a 2025 government regulation aimed at strengthening child protection in electronic systems. The regulation requires digital platforms to implement strict age verification measures and classify service risks to enhance online safety for children.
The Indonesian delegation also underscored the importance of developing and deploying artificial intelligence through a responsible, ethical, and people-centered approach as a key pillar of the country’s digital transformation strategy.
