Nezar states affordable internet could become a new engine for economic growth

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Nezar Patria, stated that affordable internet costs could expand the use of digital technology across all levels of society and serve as a new driver to accelerate national digital economic growth. “If internet access becomes affordable and penetration reaches all sectors of society, the results for the digital economy will be much more powerful,” Nezar said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Monday.

According to Nezar, current internet costs in Indonesia are still considered expensive, even exceeding the standards set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which suggests that the internet basket should ideally represent 2 per cent of the total GDP per capita.

In addition to expanding internet access, the government is continuously working to bridge the digital divide across various regions through the development of telecommunications infrastructure. This includes fibre optic networks, Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), and the utilisation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to reach areas difficult to serve via terrestrial networks.

He noted that the most important aspect is ensuring that connectivity provides tangible benefits to people’s lives. “Meaningful connectivity impacts social, economic, and cultural activities. That is why the Ministry of Communication and Digital is currently focusing on talent development,” he explained.

With a combination of increasingly affordable internet, equitable connectivity, and competent digital talent, these elements are expected to become key drivers of Indonesia’s economic growth in the digital era, moving towards the ‘Indonesia Emas 2045’ goal.