APEC: INDONESIAN FM HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED TO CLOSE DIGITAL GAP FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH IN ASIA PACIFIC 

JAKARTA, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasised the pivotal role of innovation and digitalisation in fostering economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region during his address at the APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in Lima, Peru, on Thursday.

Speaking in a session titled ‘Innovation and Digitalisation to Promote Transition to the Formal and Global Economy’, he however stressed the urgent need to address the region’s significant digital divide despite Asia-Pacific’s status as a leader in the global digital economy.

“Over 1.7 billion people in Asia Pacific lack internet access and nearly 70 per cent of workers in low- and middle-income economies lack basic digital skills. This is both an opportunity and a responsibility for us to act,” he said, according to a statement from the ministry on Friday.

Sugiono pointed out that Indonesia views equitable digital infrastructure development as essential for economic growth, with programmes like the Digital Village Initiative showcasing the importance of technology access for rural and vulnerable communities.

He believed that digital infrastructure must be paired with skills training to help individuals access opportunities in the digital economy and highlighted Indonesia’s efforts to transition informal sector workers to the formal economy through initiatives like expanded financing, entrepreneurship training, and social security.

The minister also stressed the importance of closing the gender gap in the digital economy, citing Indonesia’s policies to provide affordable devices, skills training, and inclusive strategies to empower women.

“Asia-Pacific has great potential to become a leading player in the world’s digital economy. To achieve this, we must ensure that this digital transformation is inclusive, leaving no one behind, and that all parties can contribute,” Sugiono added.

-- BERNAMA