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Minister of Communication and Information, Budi Arie Setiadi, has called for a more robust partnership with UNESCO to enhance Indonesia’s digital governance framework. At a UNESCO workshop for regulators in Central Jakarta, Minister Budi Arie underscored the critical need for inclusive, fair, and sustainable digital platform governance to ensure the responsible use of advanced technologies.
UNESCO’s Digital Platform Governance Guidelines, which incorporate five core principles, human rights due diligence, adherence to international human rights standards, transparency, accessibility of information, and accountability, were highlighted as essential for developing a more inclusive and effective digital governance system.
“The multistakeholder approach embodied in these guidelines is crucial for reinforcing our digital governance framework,” Minister Budi Arie stated. “We must implement concrete programmes that promote a positive, productive, and inclusive internet environment,” he noted
The Minister also highlighted the need for a governance model tailored to the unique needs of Global South countries like Indonesia. He proposed considering the adoption of the European Union’s Digital Market Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA), which are designed to foster fair competition and maintain a healthy digital space. “The DMA focuses on regulating the behaviour of large digital platforms to prevent monopolistic practices, while the DSA addresses content security and platform responsibility, particularly for very large platforms and search engines,” he explained.
Minister Budi Arie urged that these European frameworks could provide valuable insights into Indonesia’s digital governance. By adapting these models, Indonesia can create a level playing field between international digital giants and local industry players, ensuring fair competition and a healthier digital environment.
In addition to governance, the Minister called for a concerted effort to develop digital talent within Indonesia. He stressed the importance of enhancing educational programmes across formal, non-formal, and informal settings to address emerging technological needs.
Indonesia must enhance its educational programmes in emerging technologies like coding to prepare the nation with essential future skills, he said. He specifically highlighted the importance of coding training for children and the younger generation to ensure they are ready for a technology-driven future.
Minister Budi Arie expressed appreciation for UNESCO’s ongoing support and commitment to improving digital platform governance in Indonesia. He voiced hope that the collaboration would lead to a more productive, empowering, and sustainable digital ecosystem, contributing to the realisation of “Golden Indonesia 2045”.
Globally, digital governance is a significant concern, with initiatives like the Global Digital Compact and the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) promoting inclusivity, security, and human rights. Within ASEAN, the Bandar Seri Begawan Roadmap and the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics focus on fostering a fair and safe digital economy and responsible AI use.
In Indonesia, the regulatory framework for digital platforms includes the Telecommunications Law, the Electronic Information and Transactions Law, the Personal Data Protection Law, and Permenkominfo No. 5 of 2020. These regulations align with the principles of the DMA and DSA, which are instrumental in ensuring a fair, safe, and accountable digital environment. Law Number 1 of 2024, recently enacted, provides a legal basis for Indonesia to integrate these principles and advance its digital governance strategies.
Minister Budi Arie’s call for strengthened collaboration with UNESCO and the adoption of international best practices highlights Indonesia’s commitment to enhancing its digital governance framework and preparing its digital ecosystem for future challenges.
