Indonesia's Mastel Urges Global Digital Platforms to Fund National Infrastructure

The Indonesian Telematics Society (Mastel) is calling for global digital platforms to actively participate in developing Indonesia's national digital infrastructure. Mastel's chairman, Sarwoto Atmosutarno, believes a more balanced ecosystem is crucial given the rapid growth of the digital economy.

While acknowledging the economic benefits, efficiency gains, and service innovations brought by global platforms like Over-the-Top (OTT) services, Sarwoto pointed out that the substantial investment required for digital infrastructure is primarily borne by the telecommunications industry. He stressed that building a digital ecosystem can no longer be the sole responsibility of one sector.

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The involvement of all elements of the digital ecosystem is very necessary, especially since global digital platforms utilize telecommunication networks, so they need to take part in maintaining the sustainability of Indonesia's digital infrastructure development.

"The involvement of all elements of the digital ecosystem is very necessary, especially since global digital platforms utilize telecommunication networks, so they need to take part in maintaining the sustainability of Indonesia's digital infrastructure development," Sarwoto stated.

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With the increasing need for connectivity, it must be balanced with a more proportional contribution from all digital ecosystem players.

Mastel supports the concept of a "fair share" scheme, aligning with views from the Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, on retaining national digital economic value domestically. This approach aims to ensure that the growth of the digital economy is matched by strengthened national capacity. Mastel advocates for a more proportional contribution from all digital ecosystem players as connectivity needs increase.

The organization also backs efforts to improve the governance of digital platforms, noting a shared understanding among various government ministries and parliamentary commissions. Mastel sees this as an opportune moment for the Ministry of Communication and Digital to implement policies that encourage global digital platforms to collaborate equitably with the telecommunications industry, thereby fostering sustainable national digital infrastructure development that benefits Indonesia.

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With that, the development of national digital infrastructure can proceed sustainably and provide greater benefits for Indonesia.