Practitioner says 5G is the main engine to grow AI and Indonesia's digital economy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Director of Ericsson Indonesia, Nora Wahby, stated that 5G technology is critical infrastructure that serves as the main driving force for fostering artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and Indonesia’s digital economy, supporting the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
As a connectivity and network technology practitioner, Nora said that the connectivity currently dominating Indonesia, such as 4G or other traditional connectivity technologies, if not promptly upgraded to 5G, will no longer be sufficient to support future AI innovation development needs.
“To support the development of the AI industry in the future, previous connectivity will no longer be sufficient. 4G and WiFi cannot be relied upon to develop artificial intelligence,” said Nora during a discussion at the IndoTelko 2026 forum in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Nora further stated that various AI-dependent applications and devices will function well thanks to connectivity support with low latency and good uplink capabilities.
These two criteria are currently found in 5G connectivity technology. Therefore, Indonesia needs to take steps to implement 5G more equitably and extensively.
Moreover, based on a report from the global mobile operators’ organisation GSMA, 5G implementation is projected to contribute as much as 41 million USD to Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the 2024-2030 period.
To enable Indonesia to capture the full potential of 5G technology, Nora said there are three priority areas that need attention.
First, Indonesia must promptly equalise 5G digital infrastructure to support the emergence of more new innovations such as Industry 4.0, digital government, MSME digitalisation, and the growth of startups.
“Indonesia is an archipelagic country with more than 17,000 islands. By issuing the right spectrum strategy, 5G will enhance inclusive connectivity, provide good network quality, support easier digital payments, and bolster key sectors such as education, government, and banking services,” said Nora.
Finally, Nora highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Government and other stakeholders so that the existing digital ecosystem can become increasingly optimal following the massive implementation of 5G.
In closing her message, she said that without steps to transform connectivity technology to 5G, there is a high likelihood that AI will not grow optimally to accelerate the digital economy.
Therefore, Indonesia needs to seize the opportunities and not lose momentum to maintain positive digital growth from 5G implementation.
“5G is the foundation for advancing AI that impacts Indonesia’s digital economy. The technology is already here; it is time to accelerate its utilisation by preparing policies, investment space, and ecosystems. In this way, economic growth can still be achieved,” said Nora.