JAKARTA: Over the past decade, the lives of Indonesians, especially those in urban areas, have changed dramatically.
Daily activities now rely heavily on digital technology: from ordering food, working, studying to socialising, all can be done through mobile devices.
This transformation, once unimaginable, has made fast and widespread Internet access the backbone of modern comforts.
According to the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), Internet connectivity has reached 80.66% of the population in 2025, while Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded that smartphone ownership stood at 68.65% in 2024.
As a result, much of the nation’s social interaction has shifted online, with 60% of citizens relying on social media as their main source of information, as Reuters’ Digital News Report outlined in 2024.
These developments have been accelerated even further by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, which are increasingly integrated into everyday life.
However, Prasetya Dwicahya, managing partner at advisory firm AMANA Solutions, said that behind this convenience and efficiency lies a major unfinished task: ensuring that digital transformation is truly inclusive, high-quality and meaningful for all segments of society.
He pointed to how Internet access in Indonesia still faces serious challenges, such as how the cost of national fixed broadband services stands at around US$0.41 per Mbps per month, the highest in South-East Asia according to a We Are Social report in 2025.
The Communications and Digital Ministry recorded that the average Internet speed in Indonesia is 61.90 Mbps in 2025, far behind Malaysia and Vietnam, which both exceed 140 Mbps.
“This disparity highlights the urgent need for more progressive policies to make the Internet an affordable and equitable public utility.
“Fast and affordable Internet is not merely a technical goal, but a foundation of digital justice for all citizens,” Prasetya said.
However, he noted that building access alone is not enough, as the next challenge lies in maintaining reasoning capacity amid the flood of information.
Research by Gloria Mark from the University of California, showed that excessive exposure to digital media can significantly reduce attention span and focus.
This directly affects critical thinking skills, which in turn determine a nation’s competitiveness in the future.
“Policies such as PP Tunas, designed to protect children in digital spaces, are an important step toward ensuring a safer online environment for the younger generation,” said Mark.
“However, their implementation must remain transparent, participatory and accountable to avoid eroding public and industry trust.” — The Jakarta Post/ANN
