Validation Workshop for the Indonesia eTrade Readiness Assessment - Resident Coordinator's Speech, Gita Sabharwal

Your Excellency, Bapak Tri Tharyat, Director General, Kemlu,

Ina Hodge, UN Trade and Development  

Distinguished representatives from the Government of Indonesia,

Colleagues and partners.

Selamat Pagi

It is a pleasure to be here today as we come together to review the findings of Indonesia’s eTrade Readiness Assessment, a collaborative effort led by UNCTAD in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and many of you here in this room.

Let me begin by thanking all stakeholders for your contributions to Indonesia’s digital transformation to ensure that the benefits of e-commerce and digital trade are inclusive and sustainable.

This is critical because the Government envisions digitalization as a driver of economic transformation in support of the SDGs and the high-growth trajectory envisaged by the President.

E-trade is a great asset to Indonesia with its robust start-up ecosystem and youth dividend.

Half of Indonesians are under the age of 30 with young people providing a tech-savvy consumer base and a dynamic workforce adept at leveraging digital technologies, including AI.

Just as important is the extent of internet penetration, which will reach every household by 2030. This will support faster growth of the digital economy as only one in five Indonesians currently make online purchases.

I particularly welcome the focus of this assessment on digital payment solutions for financial inclusion, supporting SME readiness for cross-border e-commerce and leveraging technology to secure digital transactions.

These are key priorities under our Indonesia-UN Cooperation Framework,which guides how the UN system to align its resources and expertise behind Indonesia’s national development goals.

The eTrade Readiness Assessment outlines how digital technologies can unlock transformative opportunities to accelerate sustainable e-commerce growth.

These include connecting remote communities across the archipelago and opening new avenues for women, youth and persons with disabilities in the digital economy.

Similarly vital is to empower MSMEs, which make up 99% of all enterprises.

Despite their prominent economic role, SMEs often face challenges of being competitive in digital economy and participate effectively in cross-border e-commerce.

The Assessment provides a practical roadmap for tapping into the vast potentials of digitally empowering SMEs, women and disadvantaged communities across this diverse and dynamic archipelago.

Importantly, it stresses the need to promote green logistics and eco-friendly e-commerce practices to ensure digital trade contributes to climate and development goals.

UN agencies are bringing cutting-edge expertise and policy advice to bear on Indonesia’s digital transformation through optimizing satellite deployment for digital growth.

WHO and UNDP have supported the development of a technology platform as part of Satu Sehat for logistics to deliver 118 million doses of vaccines and essential medicines.

UNESCO has developed an AI Readiness Assessment Methodology toidentify opportunities in infrastructural, educational, and socio-economic investment to bridge the digital gap.

Global Pulse has applied satellite technology to model the impacts of sea level rise and identify optimal kitchen locations for the national nutritious meals programme.

Going forward, the UN Country Team remains committed to supporting Indonesia’s digital transformation in support of sustainable growth.

We look forward to working with you all to realize a digital future that leaves no one behind.

Terima Kasih