Digital Transformation Through the Digital Leadership Academy Program

Jakarta, INTI - Since 2021, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics has launched the Digital Leadership Academy (DLA) program, a digital training program for Indonesian leaders from both the public and private sectors, involving partners from renowned universities worldwide. Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics, Nezar Patria, emphasized that digital leadership is a key support in implementing digital transformation, especially in the application of digital governance.

"Digital leadership is very important and is a shared concern. Kominfo pays full attention to improving the capacity of leaders in both the public and private sectors in the context of this digital transformation," Nezar said during a visit lecture in the National Leadership Training Level II Class XVII 2024 of the Center for Training and Development and Legal Studies (Puslatbang KHAN) of the National Administration Institute (LAN) online from the Ministry of Communication and Informatics office, Central Jakarta, Friday (05/07/2024).

Deputy Minister Nezar Patria stated that the implementation of digital governance aims to produce more efficient, inclusive, transparent, and accountable public services. Therefore, digital leadership is required in data-based decision-making.

"It's not just about utilizing technology in public services. However, every decision-making must be based on data. Data is the foundation of all decisions taken within the framework of digital governance," he said.

Furthermore, with the implementation of digital governance, the Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics sees the need for adaptability and flexibility in responding to changes and providing responsive public services.

"Future developments will be increasingly digitalized, so knowledge of big data, cloud computing, and AI is inevitable," he explained.

Deputy Minister Nezar Patria explained that the Ministry of Communication and Informatics has the DLA Program in collaboration with world-renowned universities such as the University of Cambridge and Harvard Kennedy School.

"So this is a program that is actually quite prestigious," he said.

Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics explained that DLA alumni have produced various digital breakthrough programs that support the creation of more accurate digital policies.

"With this program, it is hoped that more leaders with digital leadership skills will be able to formulate policies, initiate digital innovations, and encourage the competitiveness of the digital economy in Indonesia," he explained.

The DLA program includes training in business digitalization, cybersecurity, and government governance. As of 2024, 1,236 participants have attended this program.

Deputy Minister Nezar Patria appreciated the National Leadership Training and hoped it would be a forum for participants to exchange ideas and collaborate to enhance their skills as digital leaders.

"All this is to achieve national digital transformation, which has become our national consensus and national program. We cannot turn back because the world has already moved," he said.

Latest Statistics and Data

As part of the digital transformation efforts, it is important to look at some of the latest data and statistics. According to the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), the number of internet users in Indonesia in 2024 reached 204.7 million people, or about 73.7% of the total population. This figure shows a significant increase compared to the previous year, where in 2023, the number of internet users was recorded at 196.7 million people.

Additionally, investment in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector also shows a positive trend. Data from the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) shows that investment in the ICT sector in the first quarter of 2024 reached USD 1.2 billion, an increase of 15% compared to the same period last year.

Indonesia's digital economy growth is also accelerating. According to a report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, Indonesia's digital economy is expected to reach USD 124 billion by 2025, up from USD 70 billion in 2021. The report also mentions that the e-commerce sector is the main driver of digital economy growth in Indonesia, followed by the transportation and food sector, as well as digital media.

With these various data and statistics, it can be seen that Indonesia is on the right track in developing its digital economy and preparing to become a developed country by 2045. However, challenges remain, including improving digital infrastructure, developing competent human resources, and implementing policies that support comprehensive digital transformation.