Radio frequency spectrum to underpin Indonesia's digital sovereignty, says Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital (Wamenkomdigi) Angga Raka Prabowo emphasised that managing the radio frequency spectrum is a crucial factor in safeguarding Indonesia’s digital sovereignty amid rapid global technological development and artificial intelligence (AI).”Frekuensi ini sangat strategis dan sangat penting. Dari radio, komunikasi sampai sektor transportasi, semua memakainya. Frekuensi adalah kunci kita untuk melakukan transformasi digital,” Angga said in a statement released in Jakarta on Saturday. Therefore, the government is strengthening the oversight of the radio frequency spectrum as a foundational pillar for national digital services, ranging from the internet and mobile communications to the development of AI technologies and modern transport systems. According to Angga, the radio frequency spectrum is a finite natural resource that must be utilised optimally for national interest.”All countries around the world regard the spectrum as highly strategic. Consequently, every country regulates, arranges and safeguards its spectrum, and thus, each nation does so,” Angga said. Oversight of the radio frequency spectrum is becoming increasingly important amid rapid advances in technology such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and the acceleration of the national digital transformation. The government, he said, continues to strengthen regulations and supervisory systems to ensure spectrum use is orderly, efficient, and does not interfere between services.”The challenges in managing frequencies are undoubtedly many. The government itself creates regulations, sets rules, and prepares software to monitor and safeguard this spectrum. We also allocate frequencies for telecommunications, radio, transport, and other needs,” he explained.”Amid rapid digital transformation and technological progress, the state, as regulator and servant to the people, needs capable human resources. The state must prepare and nurture excellent human resources so that we do not fall behind,” he said.”In addition, Angga also highlighted the importance of public education about the role of the radio frequency spectrum in daily life. Many people use digital services such as the internet, mobile phones, WiFi, and GPS without understanding that all of these services depend on good management of the radio frequency spectrum.”It is certainly important to educate the public about how the radio frequency spectrum influences daily life, particularly in communication and technology. Therefore, in my view, education from an early age about frequencies should be promoted from early childhood,” Angga said.