Supported by a resilient economy growing at a stable rate of around 5% and maintaining inflation within target ranges, Indonesia is optimistic about its economic transformation towards becoming a developed nation by 2045. At that time, the country was projected to have a population of approximately 320 million and a per capita income of around USD 26,000, with an economy valued at about USD 9 trillion. To achieve this vision, the government is continuously working to improve various economic growth drivers, particularly in the digital era. In 2018, the government launched the "Making Indonesia 4.0" roadmap to enhance the competitiveness of national industries globally. Moving forward, the digitalization of various industries will be accelerated, leading to more capital-intensive investments and requiring new skills from the population. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized the importance of the digital economy, stating, "Our digital economy is currently valued at around USD 80 billion, and we hope it will increase to USD 125 billion by 2025 and reach USD 400 billion by 2030." As an archipelagic country, Indonesia faces unique challenges in ensuring equitable connectivity and accelerating the development of adequate digital infrastructure. Efforts include the construction of the Palapa Ring fiber optic network, the use of the Satria multifunction satellite for remote areas, and the adoption of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology.
Airlangga also highlighted Indonesia's success in producing the largest number of unicorns and decacorns among other countries. This achievement is partly due to the government's efforts to integrate with ASEAN countries, making it easier to develop and expand market reach. The Digital Economic Agreement Framework (DEFA) initiated by Indonesia during its ASEAN chairmanship in 2023 is expected to attract investment, spur innovation, increase productivity, create jobs, and empower SMEs. With DEFA, the ASEAN digital economy, valued at USD 1 trillion in 2030, is projected to reach USD 2 trillion. Additionally, Indonesia and other ASEAN countries have integrated payment systems through the Local Currency Settlement policy using QRIS, facilitating economic digitalization. Airlangga noted that data security remains a crucial challenge that needs continuous acceleration amidst digitalization efforts. Indonesia aims to establish partnerships globally, including with the EU through EU-CEPA, ASEAN, China, ASEC, RCEP, India, and the US in the Indo-Pacific, and aspires to join the OECD in a three-year journey. "Economically, we are friends with everyone," he concluded.
