Bali, August 29, 2022–
The Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) meeting of Indonesia's G20 Presidency seeks to develop a global digital transformation agenda.
Minister of Communications and Informatics Johnny G. Plate identified the alarming reality of digital divide, lack of digital literacy and digital skills, and increasing data leakage. Therefore, he invited all delegates to formulate a declaration to address the challenges of a digital future.
"The preparation of the declaration during the Digital Economy Working Group session was not only based on the aspiration of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, but for the digital future," he said when opening the 4th DEWG Meeting at the Mulia Resort Hotel, Bali, Monday (August 29).
According to Johnny, the economic value of digitalization and the alignment of data flows across national borders to generate new ideas and innovations are fundamental issues. He also hoped that the discussions of this issue will continue in the next presidency.
As the first DEWG forum after the elevation of the Digital Economy Task Force, the Minister of Communications and Informatics stated that there are many opportunities in the digital sector that can be of common concern.
"At the same time, we see and identify the opportunities that lie ahead, the economic value of digitization, the alignment of data flows in generating new ideas, and technological innovation. The fact is that DEWG is the first group after the elevation of status from digital economy task force," he explained.
Therefore, Johnny invited all delegates to work together to continue their support until Indonesia's G20 Presidency concludes in promoting understanding and formulating policies in the field of digital transformation.
"In the next two days, we will jointly draft a declaration which will facilitate the advancement of the digital agenda. Therefore, let's support the conclusion of this presidency and believe that our we will have even better cooperation in the future," he said.
The fourth G20 DEWG meeting was attended in person by delegates from G20 member countries, except for those from Argentina who attended virtually. Also attending were delegates from invited countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, Singapore, Rwanda, Cambodia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In addition, it was also attended by the National Knowledge Partners University of Indonesia; Gadjah Mada University, and Padjadjaran University.
Moreover, representatives from international organizations were also present, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), United Nations Economic and Social Commissions for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Development (OECD), and the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB).
