Indonesia outlines infrastructure and regulatory priorities for digital sovereignty

Indonesia’s digital sovereignty efforts should focus on four areas, Deputy Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Nezar Patria said at Bali Tech Week 2026 in Denpasar. He outlined measures covering infrastructure standards, government-industry projects, workforce skills and regulatory changes.

Patria expressed hope that, within 30 days, his ministry and industry associations would take forward the discussions’ findings on quality, infrastructure and technology. Those findings are expected to become a document guiding subsequent action by stakeholders.

His first proposed measure concerns setting quality requirements and standards for digital technology and infrastructure. The second calls for government and industry to undertake infrastructure pilot projects, involving economic councils, companies and other industry participants.

On talent and innovation, Patria said skills development needed to match the expansion of infrastructure, which requires significant capital. He also urged stronger innovation capabilities so the digital ecosystem could respond to technological changes and use existing infrastructure more effectively.

The policy and investment measure involves reviewing and updating regulations. Patria pointed to the growing capabilities of businesses using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, which he said could help address telecommunications network constraints in some areas. He said LEO technology was advancing and that current rules left parts of the technology ecosystem uncovered.

Patria also sought an evaluation of work already under way, issues still unaddressed and initiatives requiring faster progress.