Running from May 14 to 16 in Nusa Dua, Bali, this year’s workshop aimed to discuss the importance of digital skills in implementing the digital transformation centers initiative (DTCI), to explore new ideas to support the work of DTCs and to follow up on agreed actions to progress the achievement of DTCI objectives.

Indonesia's notable progress in advancing the implementation of DTCI objectives contributed to its selection as the host of the Global DTC Workshop 2024.

Held at the ICT Training Center (BPPTIK) of the Communications and Informatics Ministry (Kominfo) in collaboration with Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), this year’s workshop focused on accelerating digital literacy for underserved communities.

Deputy Communications and Informatics Minister Nezar Patria emphasized that Indonesia was committed to an overarching goal of democratizing digitalization globally.

“Digital literacy, telecommunications and connectivity are pivotal aspects for enhancing the nation's competitiveness on the global stage. Through cross-collaboration between UN agencies, the private sector and the government, we aim to realize our long-term vision of Golden Indonesia 2045, emphasizing technology's role for every Indonesian. As the government's representative, we fully support this initiative,” Nezar said on May 14 during the workshop’s opening ceremony.

Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, reiterated the UN agency’s commitment to advancing global efforts in digital transformation and promoting digital inclusion, while calling for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“We are committed to closing the digital skills divide through capacity development initiatives,” Zavazava said, adding that the DCTI was one of the ITU’s key vehicles in this regard.

“And we are proud that we have come a long way together with you. Five years since its inception, the DTCI continues to expand its reach and impact across the globe. Owing to its success, there is increasing interest from various stakeholders, including telecommunication companies,” he said.

“In this context, we must continue building and improving the DTCI brand. For us to achieve this, we should strengthen collaboration between existing centers, ITU, Cisco and DTCI Partners,” Cosmas emphasized.

Meanwhile, Indosat president director and CEO Vikram Sinha said he was proud to be taking part in this year’s Global DTC Workshop.

“We’re humbled to take a part in this important agenda of global digitalization efforts,” Sinha said.

“We share a vision with all parties involved in connecting and empowering the nation through technology. It’s also imperative that we walk the talk in bridging the digital divide, reaching major cities and expanding our reach to rural and outermost parts of Indonesia. This aligns with Indosat’s larger purpose of connecting and empowering every Indonesian,” he added.

Cisco Indonesia managing director Marina Kacaribu noted that public-private partnerships had a huge opportunity to connect more people around the world to the digital economy, as well as spur growth and opportunity in underserved areas.

“Cisco is committed to driving more dialogue and programs on that shared vision underlined by our purpose to power an inclusive future for all through global initiatives, such as our joint DTCI with the ITU and our partnerships with Kominfo and Indosat to develop the technology capabilities of Indonesians, under the Digital Talent Scholarship and Connected Generation programs, respectively," Marina said.

Deputy Communications and Informatics Minister Nezar Patria (second right) poses with (from left) Susan Teltscher, head of capacity and digital skills development at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Vikram Sinha, president director and CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, and Marina Kacaribu, managing director at Cisco Indonesia on May 14 in Nusa Dua, Bali, during the opening ceremony of the Global Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Workshop 2024

At the workshop, Indosat introduced its Connected Generation (Generasi Terkoneksi), or GenSi, a digital literacy training program established jointly with the communications ministry and Cisco within the DTC framework.

GenSi aims to democratize technology adoption and foster inclusive digital space, particularly by targeting youth and women in rural areas to bridge the digital gap, thereby stimulating economic growth.

The DCTI introduces a digital literacy training model to ITU members, setting a precedent for shaping digital literacy worldwide by emphasizing collaborative efforts in extending digital knowledge and skills to underserved communities and empowering them in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

This article is published in collaboration with Indosat