Launch of the Indonesia eTrade Readiness Assessment - Resident Coordinator's Speech, Gita Sabharwal

Your Excellency Daniel Simanjuntak, Director General, Economic
Relations and Development Cooperation, Kemlu
Distinguished Government representatives
Colleagues and partners.

It is a pleasure to join you this morning as we come together to launch Indonesia’s eTrade Readiness Assessment, a
collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNCTAD, and many of you present here today.

Indonesia is experiencing one of the most dynamic digital transformations in the region.

E-commerce is deeply embedded in social and economic life, shaping how businesses grow, how services are delivered, and
how people connect.

MSMEs are reaching consumers across the archipelago, with nearly one in two (40%) engaged in online selling.

Digital payments are expanding financial inclusion through more than 37 million QRIS-enabled merchants nationwide.

At the same time, a vibrant technology ecosystem, anchored in a USD 90-billion digital economy, is contributing to Indonesia’s national and regional competitiveness.

This Assessment comes at a pivotal moment, as Indonesia seeks to deepen its digital capabilities while ensuring that the benefits are broadbased, secure, and sustainable.

As highlighted by the UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General in his video address, realising the full potential of digital trade requires strong policies, trusted systems, and equitable access to infrastructure and skills.

The recommendations set out in the eTrade Readiness Assessment give us a practical and forwardlooking roadmap given that Indonesia’s digital transformation is real, rapid and remarkable—but also unfinished.

Importantly, it places people at the centre, emphasising the empowerment of MSMEs, women, youth, persons with
disabilities, and informal sellers.

The Assessment also underscores the critical dimension of environmental sustainability, demonstrating how green logistics and ecofriendly ecommerce practices can support Indonesia’s climate ambitions by reducing emissions and waste while strengthening economic resilience.

As Indonesia moves from analysis to implementation, you can count on the continued support of the UN family, building on expertise across the digital ecosystem.

On the hard infrastructure of connectivity, ITU is working with national institutions to improve broadband mapping and pilot satellite connectivity solutions that extend digital access to underserved regions. 

Working directly with firms, ILO is supporting cooperatives across key value chains including dairy, seaweed, and patchouli, to digitalise their enterprise systems.

In parallel, FAO, ITC, and UNDP are strengthening sustainability and digital traceability in palm oil, coffee, cocoa, and rice, an essential foundation for Indonesia’s effective engagement in global trade markets.

The success of Indonesia’s digital transformation to further enhance growth will depend not only on strong and coherent policies, but also on sustained collaboration across government, the private sector, and workers in the informal economy. This collective effort is essential to ensure that the benefits of digitalisation are felt widely and equitably.

Let me close by thanking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its leadership, the many ministries and stakeholders who contributed, and UNCTAD for its rigorous, consultative and forward-looking work.

I hope today’s dialogue will inspire us to deepen partnerships, accelerate innovation and ensure a future-ready digital transformation that positions Indonesia as a digital leader in ASEAN and globally.

Terima kasih

The Indonesia eTrade Readiness Assessment is available here.