Indonesia is the largest and fastest growing internet economy with a lot of potentials in ASEAN region. The country’s economy is also shifting to the digital world, opening opportunities not only for locals but also any business players around the globe. The digital disruption takes place in
technology sector but the impacts are changing our social, cultural, political and legal landscape. As Indonesians, ideally, we should take an active role in this
digital transformation instead of being just consumers.
“Universities like
Sampoerna University are expected to lead in this digital transformation. We want you to be pioneers!” said the chairperson of Indonesian President’s Advisory Council
Prof. Dr. Sri Adiningsih in her general lecture titled
“Indonesia’s Digital-Based Economic Transformation” on Friday, October 11
th 2019 at Sampoerna University.
Indonesia is now getting better in terms of digital competitiveness. The eloquent public official who graduated from the University of Illinois, the U.S., explained that Indonesia is now classified into the “breakout quadrant”, meaning that it is a country with a relatively low score but will evolve quickly and has the potential to become a country with a strong digital economy.
To boost the digital revolution in Indonesia, more young Indonesians must participate and be the master in their own homeland. But she advised that they should not focus solely on Jakarta because opportunities have run out there. “I’ve met with startup founders and entrepreneurs and I heard it is no longer easy to found startups in Jakarta. Jakarta has been the center of the disruption so far while the rest of the country is slowly catching up. Nearly every conceivable business opportunity has been capitalized or explored. So if you want to build something, do it elsewhere,” Sri argued.
The government has provided its support for the digital transformation, ranging from building infrastructures and supplying electricity to setting up rules and regulations required for digital economy to thrive more. And after a number of unicorn and decacorn startups have emerged in Indonesia, the government also endeavors to support its growth. The government also ensures safety and economic stability by issuing more regulations through Bank Indonesia and Indonesia Financial Services Authority (
Otoritas Jasa Keuangan) to ensure safety and security in the country’s digital economy. “Because they can contribute significantly to Indonesia’s economy in general,” Sri noted.
Speaking of future developments of digital-based economy in the world, Sri looked back to the discussion raised at the most recent World Economic Forum. “In the next 10 years, we’re about to arrive at the technology tipping point,” she warned us.
What is more important is that our job markets and employability are also undergoing radical changes owing to this phenomenon. There will more and more job losses because the world no longer needs them. However, the good news is that we can also see more and more new jobs arising.
“How can we survive this digital revolution? Improve yourselves!” Sri told the audience consisting of Sampoerna University students and faculty members.
She further elaborated that the skills required to compete in the Digital Age comprise analytical thinking and innovation skills; active learning and learning strategies; creativity, originality and initiative. (*/)
