The Digitalization Task Force formed by B20 Indonesia issued a policy paper during that spelled out its recommendations to make digitalization as a major driver of global economic growth. The recommendations were formulated during the G20 – B20 dialogue forum held in July this year in Jakarta. The recommendations were made following a series of discussions held during the six months prior to the July forum.

In its policy paper, the Digitalization Task Force identified four main obstacles that contribute to the digital divide and prevent inclusive digital transformation.

These include:

1. Different levels of readiness hamper the ability of countries and businesses to utilize digitalization as a key driver for national building and economic development
2. The lack of digital infrastructure and literacy
3. Insufficient support for MSMEs digital transformation
4. Issues of cybersecurity and basic rights in digital era.

Considering all the hindrances mentioned above, the Task Force said it believes that digitalization is one of the world’s most pressing issues to tackle. Hence, it makes a strong case for the following four policy recommendations:

1. Drive university connectivity by ensuring future-proof connectivity for all, fostering universal access to participate in the digital economy and government services, ensuring inclusion and eliminating the digital divide
2. Basic foundations for sustainable and resilient digital economy by accelerating development of digital infrastructure
3. Ensure a digital-ready mindset for individuals and MSMEs, and enabling MSMEs through access to digital platform by fostering tech-enabled workforce and companies
4. Promote risk-based, interoperable, and technology-neutral cybersecurity standards and best practices that support companies’ efforts to protect their network, by defining cyber security protocols, promoting enhancement of cybersecurity practices and education to private users and companies, including MSMEs.

“The essence of our work as Indonesia’s B20 Digitalization Task Force is to ensure that digitalization could drive future growth while bridging the digital divide, which eventually leads to an inclusive digital transformation,” said Chair of B20 Indonesia Digitalization Task Force Ririek Adriansyah, who is also the President Director of PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom).