Comprehensive 360-Degree Development Key to Indonesia's Digital Transformation Success

Director General of Digital Ecosystem at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Edwin Hidayat, stated that comprehensive or 360-degree development is the key to the success of Indonesia’s national digital transformation. Edwin emphasised that digital transformation cannot rely on just one aspect, such as digital infrastructure alone; rather, the entire chain that builds digitalisation, from infrastructure and digital innovation to digital talent, must be considered and developed. “The foundation must be connected, the ecosystem must be able to grow, and every layer must be maintained so that digitalisation takes place safely and reliably,” Edwin said in a statement received and confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday. This was also conveyed by Edwin at the Digital Transformation Indonesia Conference & Expo (DTI-CX) 2026, an event that brings together all stakeholders in the digital ecosystem, recently held in Jakarta. Edwin likened the digital ecosystem to a building consisting of various layers before it is truly fit for habitation. According to Edwin, the digital ecosystem has important layers such as physical digital infrastructure, virtual digital infrastructure, digital platforms, and applications. For this ecosystem to grow properly, the development of each layer must be carried out simultaneously. If only one layer is focused on, it is feared that other layers will become challenges that are difficult to rectify and will ultimately hinder the expected growth. “If we only build physical infrastructure, it is like building roads without traffic. Conversely, if platforms and applications develop without adequate infrastructure support, we are only creating congestion in the digital economy,” he said. Therefore, the government is no longer focusing solely on developing one aspect like digital infrastructure but is also striving to optimise existing digital connectivity so that it has a positive impact on people’s lives. To achieve a successful national digital transformation, Edwin explained six main strategies prepared by Kemkomdigi, consisting of connectivity, competence, capital, catalysis, commerce, and compliance. These six strategies form the foundation for building a digital ecosystem capable of attracting investment, nurturing digital talent, expanding markets, and providing legal certainty. Beyond these six strategies, the aspect of security must not be overlooked by all stakeholders in the digital ecosystem. This is because security is no longer just a complementary option but has become an inseparable part of the digital transformation process. Therefore, public trust in the security of digitalisation within the digital ecosystem development must be maintained with a robust and reliable system. “We cannot ask the public to adopt technology if the systems they use cannot be trusted. Because of this, technology must not only connect Indonesia but also empower the people, protect their rights, and strengthen their future,” Edwin concluded.