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The Covid-19 pandemic has proven that the emergence of various digital innovations in sectors such as health, education, government, and employment can be a game-changer amid the limitations of societal mobility. Welcoming this positive change, the Government is striving to accelerate and expand reliable, universal digital infrastructure, ensuring that everyone has access to the skills needed to thrive in the digital era.

The Indonesian Government continues to promote digital innovation and accelerate the development of the digital economy as a strategic pillar of Indonesia's transformation towards a more advanced economy. This was conveyed by the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, virtually, as he shared Indonesia's experience in the field of digital economy and the role of digitalization in achieving sustainable development in the High-Level Thematic Roundtable on Digital Innovations for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which is part of the 80th session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, on Tuesday (04/23), as quoted from the website of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.

"Indonesia is focused on creating a productive, advanced, and high-value-added business ecosystem through the digitalization of priority economic sectors. This includes a specific focus on empowering MSMEs and technology startups, as well as strengthening cybersecurity," said Minister Airlangga.

To prepare for this ecosystem in the future, Minister Airlangga stated that Indonesia is strengthening its commitment to comprehensive research and development (R&D) and technological innovation. The government has also launched the White Paper on Digital Economic Development 2030, which is a multi-stakeholder strategy involving institutions, associations, academia, and industry to determine the direction of the future digital journey.

Indonesia is also collaborating to promote financial inclusion through partnerships with relevant authorities to provide better access to financial services to all segments of society. To support these efforts, the government is also refining regulations, policies, and governance to ensure a healthy and fair digital economy, with consumer protection and national security efforts.

"In terms of human capital, Indonesia harnesses digital innovation by developing the Kartu Prakerja Program, which is an extraordinary Government-to-People (G-to-P) platform. The Kartu Prakerja Program is a competency development program aimed at improving job skills and entrepreneurship skills for job seekers, those already employed who want to enhance their skills or competencies, and those affected by layoffs, including MSME players," explained Minister Airlangga.

Furthermore, Minister Airlangga stated that the Kartu Prakerja Program during the Covid-19 pandemic has a dual mission to enhance competencies and secure the purchasing power of communities affected by the pandemic. The Kartu Prakerja Program is a tangible example of how digital innovation helps the government achieve SDGs by promoting productive employment and decent work. The Kartu Prakerja Program also strengthens other SDG targets, including quality education and lifelong learning opportunities, gender equality and women's empowerment, and poverty alleviation.

"The Kartu Prakerja Program has been a great success, benefiting 18.7 million Indonesians in 514 districts/cities in 38 provinces, with 51% female participants, 12% participants aged over 50, and 3% participants with disabilities," said Minister Airlangga.

In conclusion, Minister Airlangga expressed gratitude for the opportunity for Indonesia to share its experience in the field of digital economy and its role in achieving sustainable development. Minister Airlangga also mentioned that the forum was an appropriate platform to strengthen Indonesia's sustainable commitments in promoting and developing digital innovation to achieve sustainable global development.

Also present accompanying Minister Airlangga at the meeting were Deputy for Coordination of Digital Economy, Employment, and MSMEs Rudy Salahuddin and Deputy for Coordination of International Economic Cooperation Edi Prio Pambudi. (IN)