Lack of clear strategy hampers IT development<\/p>\n
Alexander Rusli, Lecturer, Faculty of Computer Science,
\nUniversity of Indonesia<\/p>\n
So far the government seems indecisive in determining its
\nvision regarding information technology and telecommunications.
\nThe new ministry must be able to answer the question: In what
\nareas should the government push the growth of this sector?<\/p>\n
We have witnessed a surging global growth in information
\ncommunications and technology (ICT) investment in the past three
\nyears. The private sector has started numerous initiatives in
\nareas projected to be profitable.<\/p>\n
This is despite the fact that the government has not given any
\nindication as to how the government would like to place the role
\nof ICT in the national framework.<\/p>\n
This does not mean the government should take control of areas
\nor of industries it thinks are in need of support. It only needs
\nto state its vision of this sector. Due to the lack of vision,
\ngovernment bodies and private sectors have ended up overlapping
\nand hence spending has been inefficient.<\/p>\n
In the short term to medium term it would be impossible to
\ncompete with countries such as India in becoming the number one
\nexporter of software development professionals. It would also be
\nfoolish to try to become a leader in new technologies such as
\nJapan. We are not even close to having the supporting
\ninfrastructure.<\/p>\n
Should we draw up an analysis of our strengths, weaknesses,
\nopportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) on Indonesia, we will
\ndiscover that in the real sector we have potential advantages
\nover other countries.<\/p>\n
Information technology and telecommunications could be used
\nextensively to provide added comfort for local and international
\ntourists. A good monitoring system would also inform us of the
\ntypes of tourists and their needs, so that we could customize
\ntourist facilities.<\/p>\n
The use of ICT has not been utilized fully in the mining and
\nenergy sector and related sectors, such as between suppliers and
\nthe mining and energy companies, or between mining companies and
\ntraders.<\/p>\n
In agriculture and fisheries, in which products must be fresh,
\nthe role of ICT is even less developed. The extensive use of ICT
\nto support logistics and distribution would both enhance our
\nlocal as well as export business activities in these sectors.<\/p>\n
The government should invite the private sector to take a
\nleading role in the development of ICT within the areas of
\ntourism, energy and mining and agriculture and fisheries. The
\ngovernment could then provide incentives to make ICT investments
\nlucrative.<\/p>\n
ICT investment by the private sector within those industries
\nwould create a multiplier effect within the core of those related
\nindustries, later on affecting other non-core areas of those
\nindustries. Attractive conditions should be created for both
\nlocal as well as international investors.<\/p>\n
Appropriate regulations and facilities need to be put in place
\nto create certainty for international investors. We have so far
\nnot been able to provide conducive conditions or certainty for
\ninvestors.<\/p>\n
Such measures would indicate that Indonesia has positioned
\nitself as a future user of ICT to support real sector industries.
\nTo attempt to become a leader within one or more of the ICT sub-
\ndomains in the short term or medium term would not be the optimum
\nchoice. This positioning, however, would of course be further
\ndetermined by the current political and economic situation.<\/p>\n
The government needs to quickly formulate and articulate its
\nvision on information technology and telecommunications. With the
\nappropriate framework in place, the investment and development of
\nICT can effectively support the overall growth of the economy.<\/p>",
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