Accelerating Digital Transformation in Indonesia together with NUNI, UN, and APDI

Jakarta, 15 March 2024 – Today marked the commencement of the “Indonesia’s Digital Transformation Multi-Stakeholders Partnership,” a new endeavour to enhance Indonesia’s digital infrastructure and capacities to bolster the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Seventy university rectors from Indonesia, heads of UN agencies, ambassadors, representatives from international organizations, and other stakeholders in Indonesia’s digital advancement gathered at BINUS University’s Auditorium for the launch event.

Under Presidential Regulation 82/2023 on Accelerating Digital Transformation and Integrating National Digital Services, the Indonesian Government, led by the Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PAN RB), has committed to delivering quality public services and fortifying cyber and information security.

During her keynote speech at the partnership launch, Rini Widyantini, Secretary of the Ministry of PAN RB, emphasized the importance of collaboration and expressed openness to support from UN agencies and other entities in various initiatives. She outlined government priorities related to digital transformation, including strengthening the Electronic Based Government System (SPBE) team, institutional and policy evaluations, and enhancing the digital capabilities of the state apparatus.

The initiative, conceived by ten UN agencies, the Nationwide University Network of Indonesia (NUNI), and the Indonesian Digital Leaders Association (APDI), aims to support digital transformation in Indonesia, bridge the digital divide, and promote inclusive digital education to stimulate economic growth.

Valerie Julliand, UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, highlighted the importance of addressing the digital divide to tackle global challenges such as poverty and climate change, stressing the collaboration’s goal of ensuring digital tools are accessible to all.

The partnership underscores the significance of digital access and literacy as fundamental development elements, striving to address disparities in digital technology access and usage.

Dr. Nelly, Rector of BINUS University, expressed pride in collaborating with the UN and APDI to enhance digital literacy in Indonesian society and accelerate inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.

The initiative adopts a holistic approach, involving multiple societal sectors and focusing on key areas such as digital skills, security, ethics, culture, and the economy. It emphasizes collective action to create a society capable of thriving in the digital age.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Y. Budi Widianarko, NUNI Chairperson, emphasized the importance of research and innovation in societal development, aligning closely with the partnership’s objectives.

The partnership also recognizes the critical role of gender and disability inclusion in achieving an equitable digital landscape and aims to advocate for these aspects at the upcoming UN Summit of the Future 2024.

The initiative’s objective is to empower Indonesian youth with digital skills and foster a dynamic digital economy characterized by innovation and knowledge.

Prof. Ignasius D.A. Sutapa, APDI Chair, highlighted the goal of ensuring fair access to digital opportunities for all Indonesians to participate in and benefit from the digital economy.

Aligned with Indonesia’s National Medium-Term Development Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the initiative emphasizes innovation and partnerships in achieving the SDGs.

It aligns with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation goals, focusing on digital inclusion and connectivity as global imperatives.

This initiative supports several SDGs, including Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Reduced Inequalities, and Partnerships for the Goals, with backing from ten UN agencies, including FAO, IOM, ITC, ITU, UNDP, UNESCO, UNHABITAT, UNICEF, UNIDO, and WHO.