Indonesia’s Digital Transformation Aims to Preserve Culture, Not Just Drive Growth
Indonesian Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid made a bold call to action at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), urging countries to prioritize culture in their digital transformation efforts.
The WSIS, a global event that brings together governments, civil society, and private sector representatives to discuss the impact of digital technologies on society, provided Minister Hafid with the perfect platform to share her vision for a more inclusive digital future.
During her keynote speech, Minister Hafid emphasized the need for a culture-centered approach to digital transformation, highlighting the importance of preserving traditional practices and promoting local content in the digital age. “Digital transformation should not just be about driving economic growth or increasing connectivity,” she said. “It’s also about using technology to preserve our cultural heritage and promote cross-cultural exchange.”
The Indonesian government has already taken steps to implement this vision, launching initiatives to promote local content creation and digital literacy programs that focus on cultural preservation. The country’s digital transformation strategy prioritizes the development of a digital ecosystem that supports local entrepreneurs, artists, and creators, while also addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.
What this means What Indonesia’s approach suggests is that digital transformation can be a tool for social change, rather than just a means of driving economic growth. By prioritizing culture and community, countries can create more inclusive and equitable digital ecosystems that benefit everyone, not just a privileged few.
