LAPI ITB: Digital Connectivity Drives Economic Growth and MSME Empowerment
LAPI ITB consultancy revealed that digital connectivity has tangible impacts on economic growth, MSME empowerment, and equitable access to national digital services. Telkomsel is one telecommunications operator making significant contributions.
The study employed a combination of economic data analysis and regression models, alongside field surveys of business operators to examine the link between digital infrastructure development and socio-economic activities across regions.
PT LAPI ITB Managing Director Yusmar Anggadinata stated that digital connectivity has evolved beyond its basic communication function. ‘Connectivity is no longer merely a service but an economic infrastructure linked to productivity, inclusion, and socio-economic growth across regions,’ he said.
He noted the analysis showed Telkomsel’s infrastructure development directly correlates with regional economic activity increases. Adding one base transceiver station (BTS) correlates with a Rp76.19 billion increase in regional GDP.
Meanwhile, a 1 petabyte increase in data usage correlates with a Rp9.44 billion rise in regional GDP. Additionally, the sector’s contribution to national revenue has significantly increased to Rp36.97 trillion in 2024.
Furthermore, digital connectivity has positively impacted business operators, particularly MSMEs in non-urban areas, with digital services correlating to improved performance. This includes an average 32% revenue increase and 92% user satisfaction rates.
‘Digital connectivity acts as a catalyst for boosting local business productivity and competitiveness,’ he said on Tuesday (26 May 2026).
He added that by 2024, approximately 92.4% of BAKTI program BTS in 3T regions were supported by national operators through the USO scheme, which helps reduce digital access gaps. This connectivity expansion enables communities in these areas to access previously limited education, healthcare, and economic services. Additionally, sector activities are estimated to have created over 685,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
PT LAPI ITB Senior Expert Ian Josef Matheus Edward added that the study provides a measurable view of connectivity’s contributions, but does not intend to attribute all economic changes to a single entity.
‘Interpretations of the study findings must be proportionate and contextual,’ he said.
The study’s results are estimates based on specific methodologies and do not attribute all economic impacts to a single industry player. It also does not compare operators but focuses on understanding connectivity’s role in the national development ecosystem.