- 06/12/2023
- Category: Press Release
Youtube Channel CfDS, 19 April 2023 – Digital transformation in Indonesia refers to the application of technology in human life with the aim of increasing efficiency, productivity, and innovation in various sectors. Some of the implementations of this transformation can be seen through e-Government and e-Commerce, but unfortunately, this transformation also has many challenges, such as gaps in technology access and data security. Seeing this, CfDS responded in, Diffusion #93 “Digital Transformation in Indonesia: What’s Next? to convey the impact and solutions for this transformation. This discussion was attended by Anatasya Patricia Kills (Research Intern CfDS) Maura Tri Hardini (Research Intern CfDS), Suci Lestari Palijama (Research Intern CfDS), Khadijah Nasution (Research Intern CfDS) and moderated by Puspa Verena (Community Outreach Intern CfDS). In full, this discussion can be watched via the link Difussion #93 “Digital Transformation in Indonesia: What’s Next?”
Data Journalism as a New Phenomenon in Indonesia
Anastasya opened her discussion by explaining data journalism which is used as an effort to fight fake news so that there is accurate data. It is necessary because data acts as a modifier of public trust in the information available from the media. Currently, the spread of data journalism is still minimal because the process is quite complicated and complex because it is packaged through a lengthy data packaging process. In addition, data journalists are also required to have master graphic design skills so that they can be easily understood by the audience. This is also reinforced by the fact that limited human resources, inadequate budget due to multitasking from a statistical and journalistic perspective, and the incomplete availability of open data make data journalism experience existing challenges. However, if it continues to be developed, this practice can minimize hoaxes in the field of mass communication so that data journalism can become an opportunity to present accurate and quality news.
E-Governance Challenges and Solutions in Indonesia
Apart from data journalism, which is the focus of digitization by the government, other sectors, such as e-governance, are also continuously being developed. However, this transformation was not accompanied by an increase in the quality and distribution of internet access. In Indonesia itself, communication technology is still at an unbalanced stage due to development, as evidenced by the 26.3% of Indonesian citizens who do not have access to the internet, remote areas that are not yet reached by the Internet, and many schools that cannot use the internet, so this has caused a digital divide.
Two things make the digital divide affect the technology divide in Indonesia. The first is an innovation that is not sustainable, knowing that many residents still cannot access the internet so these innovations only last for a short period and cannot solve problems. The second is the uneven development centered only in large metropolitan cities. “Therefore, it requires an even application from all regions in Indonesia, there needs to be a solution to problems that are appropriate to the region and reduces the creation of applications, but is more focused on increasing the usability of these applications,” said Maura closing her presentation session.
Digital Vigilantism in Indonesia
Digital transformation in Indonesia is also increasingly carried out with the increasing use of social media which results in digital vigilantism. This phenomenon is the practice of using spontaneous and coordinated social media intermediaries, used to punish individuals or parties who violate norms. The most commonly used strategy is naming and shaming, which is the dissemination of sensitive information from targeted individuals, better known as doxing. This of course opens up bad impacts, such as the spread of hoaxes and social harassment.
This practice is widely used in Indonesia to make a case viral that cannot be handled by the authorities. However, it is feared that this will become the point where law enforcers will work if the case just goes viral so that it is not carried out optimally. Social media can also be used as a medium to criticize the state’s inability to regulate violations. “For good or bad, social media is returned to its users. Don’t because of our cognitive bias, we even give a bad attitude on social media,” said Suci closing the session.
Development of E-Commerce and Digital Natives in Indonesia
Another sector affected by this massive transformation is the economy. Currently, Indonesia is the country with the largest digital economic value in Southeast Asia, so this is transforming the adoption of new technology, namely e-wallets. The development of e-wallet use is supported by digital natives through their movements, such as campaigns and volunteerism. The reason is, many people use e-wallets for practical reasons, they are more hygienic because they don’t have to hold money directly, they are easier to access, and they have discounts.
Even though it has developed in society, in fact, E-wallets are still experiencing challenges, such as the uneven spread of technology. In addition, data security still makes people afraid of data hacking. Furthermore, bad signals are the main problem so some transactions experience problems. Of course, this challenge can be managed with the help of digital natives when they can collaborate with the government and organizations, of course, to increase GMV from Indonesia. “Especially when the government can also continue to improve security and data literacy, educate the use of e-wallets, and create an e-wallet platform environment that can increase the value of the digital economy,” said Khadijah closing the discussion.
Author: Muhammad Alfasya Syabil Sholatar
Editor: Ni Kadek Ayu Pratiwi
