Nezar cites fisheries technology in Maros as proof of impactful connectivity
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Nezar Patria has described the innovative steps taken by residents of Maros Regency, South Sulawesi, in harnessing digital technology in the aquaculture sector as tangible proof of impactful connectivity.
The initiative is evident in the development of a wanamina (silvofishery) area, using digital instruments to manage ponds in a measurable, data-driven way, carried out by residents in collaboration with the Brackish Water Aquaculture Research and Fisheries Extension Centre and Common Room.
“We are witnessing how residents use digital technology to measure salinity levels, temperature, then record it as big data and produce projections going forward,” Nezar said while opening Rural ICT Camp 2026, in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Climate resilience is currently crucial, given that extreme climate change has posed real challenges in the field. Under present conditions, for instance, prolonged droughts can affect the survival of fishery commodities such as fish and crabs, with high salinity levels.
With the use of data gathered through digital technology, this approach can help pond farmers take mitigation measures quickly and efficiently.
Reflecting on the tangible evidence that the internet can have an impact on communities in Maros Regency, Nezar said that in future, digital transformation should be fostered at more community levels.
“The measure of a community’s success is not how many applications are created or how many devices are installed. The measure is whether the community becomes more empowered, the ecosystem is better preserved, and people’s livelihoods become more resilient,” Nezar said.
The government is committed to supporting community initiatives that use technology with real impact in other regions by expanding telecommunications networks to non-commercial areas.
Through Rural ICT Camp 2026, Nezar expressed hope that the event would serve as a laboratory or testing ground for the effectiveness of technologies produced by impactful connectivity for the wider public interest.
“Hopefully, from this place will emerge models of internet utilisation that we can develop for other communities across Indonesia,” Nezar said.