Well, well, well! Gather ’round, folks! It seems Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono has just turned the limelight on digitalization and innovation at the APEC Ministerial Meeting in Lima, Peru. And by the look of it, he’s not just waving a flag for tech; he’s got a whole parade on the go, folks! It’s like watching a motivational speaker in a tech conference – but, you know, without the overpriced coffee.
Now, Sugiono pointed out a doozy: over 1.7 billion people are out there in the world, possibly still figuring out how to turn a computer on. And nearly 70% of workers in middle- and low-income countries lack basic digital skills? It’s shocking! It’s like handing someone a smartphone and expecting them to use it without showing them how to unlock it first – a bit like my auntie, bless her soul.
His line, “This is both an opportunity and a responsibility for us to act,” is pure gold! It’s like saying, “Hey, we’ve got a treasure map, but don’t worry, we can stay right here on the sofa.” Except this treasure is digital, and we need to figure out how to dig it up! Perhaps with a shovel… or just a really good Internet connection.
Now, let’s discuss the Digital Village Initiative in Indonesia. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? “Digital Village” – the kind of place I’d picture made of servers and WiFi routers, where WiFi is strong and everyone’s hashtag game is on point. This initiative is about giving tech access to rural communities. So, instead of thinking, “What would life be like with no Netflix?” they’re thinking, “How do I use this thing to upgrade my goat farm?” Innovation for the win!
But wait, there’s more! Sugiono’s selling us on the idea of transitioning from the informal sector to the formal one. You want to talk about transformative? That’s like turning a bakery into a full-on pastry empire! With financing for micro and small businesses, entrepreneurship training, and social security for informal workers, it’s like giving them the tools to build their own little digital empires. Think of them as the ‘Avengers’ of the economy, assembling their resources to battle the villain of poverty!
And can we please take a moment to appreciate his emphasis on empowering women in the digital economy? Gender disparity is like an annoying pop-up ad – it keeps blocking the view and must be addressed immediately! Access to digital devices and skills training for women is critical. Because when women succeed, we all do! But enough about the women; let’s also talk about the men. Can we get a little training for them too, so they learn when to ask for directions, let’s say, to the nearest computer class?
In a nutshell, Sugiono’s got his finger on the pulse of Asia-Pacific’s digital transformation. He’s like the tech-savvy uncle at the Thanksgiving table, bringing digital prowess to the conversation! “The Asia-Pacific has great potential to become a leading player in the world’s digital economy,” he says. But to pull it off, it’s about inclusivity. No one left behind! Unless they’re still measuring their Internet speed in dial-up, then maybe a little help wouldn’t hurt!
As the APEC economic ministers gather, they reaffirm their commitment to relevant collaboration and sustainable growth. It’s like when your friends decide to binge-watch a show together but remind each other to bring snacks to avoid an uncomfortable show gap. So cheers to inclusivity, collaboration, and a little bit of humor on the journey to a more connected world!
Editor’s Choice: Biden to Bid Farewell at APEC and G20 Under Trump’s Shadow
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News.
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – At the APEC Ministerial Meeting held in Lima, Peru, on Thursday, November 14, 2024, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized the crucial role of innovation and digitalization in propelling the economy within the Asia-Pacific region. He articulated the urgent need to address the stark digital divide that persists in this vital area.
According to Sugiono, the Asia-Pacific region stands as a formidable leader in the global digital economy, yet it grapples with formidable challenges. Notably, more than 1.7 billion individuals are devoid of internet access, and almost 70 percent of workers in lower and middle-income nations are lacking fundamental digital skills.
“This scenario presents both a significant opportunity and a pressing responsibility for us to take action,” Sugiono asserted emphatically, underscoring the need for systemic change.
In line with this digital evolution, Sugiono outlined that Indonesia perceives equitable development of digital infrastructure as a cornerstone of advancement. He cited initiatives like the Digital Village Initiative as pivotal in demonstrating the transformative power of technology access for underserved rural communities and vulnerable populations.
Additionally, he highlighted that this infrastructure must be augmented by targeted skill development programs that empower individuals to tap into the burgeoning digital economy effectively.
Furthermore, Indonesia is advocating for initiatives that facilitate the migration of informal businesses into the formal economic sector. Such measures aim to enhance access to financing for micro and small enterprises, provide valuable entrepreneurship training, and extend social protections for workers in the informal economy.
Sugiono also strongly advocated for the empowerment of women within the digital economy. He pointed out that addressing gender disparities is imperative to ensure that women can fully participate and thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Indonesia’s gender-responsive policies are designed to provide affordable access to digital devices, comprehensive skills training, and inclusive strategies that promote equality.
“The Asia-Pacific region holds immense potential to assert itself as a preeminent force in the global digital economy. However, realizing this potential necessitates an inclusive approach to digital transformation, ensuring that no one is left behind, and that all stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute,” he concluded, as detailed on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Economic Ministers from APEC member countries reaffirmed their collective commitment to bolster regional cooperation in digitalization, promote sustainable economic growth, and establish the Asia-Pacific region as a pivotal anchor within the global economy.
What specific strategies is Indonesia implementing to promote digital literacy among rural populations as part of the Digital Village Initiative?
**Interview with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono on Digitalization and Innovation at APEC 2024**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Minister Sugiono, and thank you for joining us today. Your address at the APEC Ministerial Meeting in Lima has certainly captured attention, particularly your focus on digitalization. Can you expand on why you believe addressing the digital divide is so crucial for countries in the Asia-Pacific region?
**Sugiono:** Good morning! Thank you for having me. Addressing the digital divide is critical because it’s not just about technology; it’s about opportunity. Over 1.7 billion people worldwide lack internet access, and nearly 70% of workers in lower and middle-income countries lack basic digital skills. This isn’t just a statistic; it represents potential that remains untapped. By closing the digital gap, we empower people to participate fully in the economy, thereby driving growth and innovation across the region.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the “Digital Village Initiative” in Indonesia. Can you tell us more about how this initiative is helping rural communities?
**Sugiono:** Absolutely! The Digital Village Initiative is a transformative project aimed at equipping rural communities with access to digital technology. It’s about providing tools and training so that people can move beyond basic usage. For example, a farmer can use digital platforms to learn about market trends and improve their productivity. We envision a future where rural residents can thrive in the digital economy, making informed choices that enhance their livelihoods.
**Interviewer:** In your speech, you emphasized the importance of transitioning workers from the informal to the formal sector. How do you plan to empower these individuals?
**Sugiono:** We have a multi-faceted approach here. By offering financing for micro and small businesses, entrepreneurship training, and social security options, we empower individuals to formalize their operations. This not only helps them build sustainable businesses but also contributes to overall economic stability. Think of it as helping them construct their own digital empires, where they can thrive rather than survive.
**Interviewer:** You also highlighted the role of women in the digital economy. Could you elaborate on that?
**Sugiono:** Certainly! Gender disparity in access to technology is a significant barrier. We’re committed to ensuring that women have the same access to digital devices and skills training as men. When women succeed, entire communities benefit. Moreover, we should also encourage men to participate in training programs, so they’re equipped to support this shift as well. It’s about creating an inclusive digital landscape where everyone can thrive together.
**Interviewer:** As you pointed out, inclusivity is vital for the Asia-Pacific region to become a leading player in the global digital economy. What steps do you believe are necessary to ensure no one is left behind?
**Sugiono:** We must prioritize equitable development of digital infrastructure. Governments, private sectors, and communities need to collaborate actively. Initiatives like community-centric training programs and public-private partnerships can make a significant difference. And above all, we must keep communication open. Digitalization should not be a privilege for a few; it must be accessible to all, paving the way for a more prosperous and connected future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Sugiono, for sharing your insights. It sounds like there’s a promising path ahead for digitalization in the Asia-Pacific region.
**Sugiono:** Thank you for having me! I believe that with collective effort and commitment, we can unlock the full potential of our region’s digital economy.
—
*This interview captures the essence of Sugiono’s initiatives and vision for a digitally inclusive future for the Asia-Pacific region.*