Bridging the Digital Divide: Indonesia's Dream for Equitable and Affordable Internet Access

Jakarta - In the midst of roaring digital developments throughout the world, Indonesia is facing big challenges in its efforts to provide equal and affordable internet access for all its people. With a population reaching 275 million people, the latest data from the Association of Indonesian Internet Services Agencies (ABJI) shows that 221 million Indonesians will be connected to the internet by 2024. However, behind these figures, there is another story about the digital divide that still haunts this island nation.

Gilman Pradan Anugraha, member of the Communication and Inter-Institutional Relations Committee, who also serves as a director at PT Solusi Sinergi Digital Tbk, admitted that although internet penetration in Indonesia looks impressive, in reality there is still a lot of homework to be done. "Currently, fixed broadband internet penetration or home internet has only reached around 15% nationally," said Gilman. This figure is far behind compared to neighboring countries such as Singapore which has reached 100%, or Vietnam and Malaysia which are above 50%.

This inequality is not just a matter of numbers, but also a matter of opportunity and equality. Limited and expensive internet access means that many people in rural or remote areas have not experienced the full benefits of digital transformation. Gilman emphasized the importance of fast and unlimited internet access for everyone. "Without the internet, we would not know online trading as it is now," he added, describing how the internet has revolutionized the capital markets industry in Indonesia, where the number of capital market investors has soared from around 500,000 people in 2013 to almost 10 million in 2024.

However, this digital transformation will not be meaningful if it is not accompanied by the provision of adequate infrastructure. Gilman highlighted that the internet is not only about connectivity, but also about how the internet can open up new opportunities for society, both in business, transactions and accessing government services.
In the midst of all these challenges, hopes remain high. Gilman and many other leaders in the technology and telecommunications industry hope that Indonesia's digital infrastructure will continue to develop, become more efficient, and reach all levels of society. The expected target is affordable internet costs, ideally no more than IDR 50,000 per month, so that it can be accessed by more families throughout the country.

"Good infrastructure is not just about internet speed, but also about how the internet can empower everyone to get involved in the digital economy," explained Gilman. “This is key to inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the future.”

In the next few years, efforts to bridge this digital divide will become one of the main focuses of government and industry. With the right collaboration and investment, the dream of equal and affordable internet access for all Indonesians may no longer be just a dream, but a reality that supports economic growth and social prosperity throughout the country.

Full Video: From the Internet to Investments: Why Should We Care?