The Ministry of Communication and Informatics and the West Manggarai Regency Government have installed base transceiver stations (BTS) to improve the digital literacy of the local population and broaden the public’s access to information.
Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) helped disperse 52 BTS towers in West Manggarai (Mabar) Regency in 2023. Meanwhile, 159 sites in 12 subdistricts in Mabar Regency have internet access, according to Paulus Setahu, Head of the West Manggarai Kominfo Service.
Together with the National Movement for Digital Literacy (GNLD) Siberkreasi, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, hosted a Digital Literacy Week.
Paulus argued everyone has to disseminate information on the importance of digital literacy in a way that can be easily discussed within a family context. He defined “digital literacy” as the capacity to comprehend and convey information and ideas in various digital formats.
“Understanding when and how technology may be utilised most effectively to achieve goals, together with the ability to create, execute cooperation, communicate, operate ethically, and reach those goals..”
Paulus continued that Indonesian internet users have grown to 196.76 million, with 73.7% of the country’s population dominating social media platforms. Therefore, it becomes a challenge for social media activists, particularly Generation Z and millennials.
About 150 people from different parts of Labuan Bajo West Manggarai, participated in the event. Participants learned from various resource persons who are specialists in multiple industries to improve the general public’s proficiency with digital technology. The programme also sought to raise public consciousness about the need for such education to realise the vision of a secure, pleasant, and fruitful digital ecosystem.
Indonesia’s Digital Literacy Index increased by 0.05 points, from 3.49 to 3.54 in 2022, as reported by a poll performed by the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) and a research firm. According to Semuel A. Pangerapan, General Director of Informatics Applications, the 2022 Digital Literacy Index study found the most significant growth occurred in the areas of digital culture and digital ethics.
The results of Indonesia’s digital literacy mapping give us a picture of the country’s current circumstances and prospects by highlighting its strengths and weaknesses in terms of digital skills and knowledge. According to Semuel, all parties involved need to focus on the digital security aspect of the problem.
Nevertheless, General Secretary Mira Tayyiba of the Ministry of Communication and Informatics has called for improved digital understanding and competence throughout the public service sector. She contends that better public services may be provided to the people by maximising the possibilities of technology.
In reality, digital transformation is one of the main foci of efforts to overhaul the bureaucracy. Therefore, Mira advised the Digital Community inside the Ministry of Communication and Informatics to make the most of digital tools to increase efficiency, productivity, and production. She also encouraged all civitas to continue their education and training to improve their digital skills.
Aside from digital literacy efforts, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) is focused on expanding access and understanding digital financial services, especially for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The assistance is hoped to encourage MSMEs to contribute to the national economy and the stability of economies in ASEAN.
Friderica Widyasari Dewi, Head of OJK’s Supervision of the Conduct of Financial Services Businesses, Education, and Consumer Protection, underlined the need to offer seminars to help MSME business owners improve their marketing and optimising abilities. Micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) that want to succeed need to grow to the next level in this fashion.
