Jakarta. Internet coverage across Indonesia, an archipelagic nation with over 17,000 islands, has reached 97 percent, extending from Sabang in Aceh to Merauke in Papua, according to a government official.

Under President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, “connectivity” has been a key focus of the country's extensive infrastructure development over the past decade. The goal has been to ensure that even residents in the most remote areas have access to essential government services and the benefits of development.

“The rate of internet penetration has soared from 34 percent of the population in 2014 to 79.6 percent today. When measured by inhabited regions, the coverage has already reached 97 percent nationwide,” said Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics, during a discussion at the BNI Investor Daily Summit in Jakarta.

The government’s digital push includes constructing around 7,000 base transceiver stations to deliver 4G technology to remote areas, launching the Satria-1 satellite to provide internet access to approximately 50,000 public institutions, and laying the 12,399-kilometer Palapa Ring fiber optic network.

Nezar said the significant improvements in digital infrastructure have positively impacted micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enabling their active participation in the e-commerce ecosystem.

“The value of Indonesia's digital economy has increased tenfold since 2014, from around $41 billion,” Nezar noted.

AI and Cybersecurity
However, the digital age also brings new threats and challenges, including cybercrimes and concerns over the unethical use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Nezar explained that while the Ministry of Communication and Informatics won’t impose overly restrictive regulations on digital technologies, as businesses need room to innovate and expand, the ministry remains committed to promoting ethical standards and enhancing cybersecurity.

“As the regulator of Indonesia’s digital landscape, we issued a circular on ethical AI practices last year and are currently drafting more detailed regulations on the matter,” Nezar said, adding that these steps will help ensure the ethical use of AI while safeguarding against cyberattacks.