Menteri PPN/Kepala Bappenas Suharso Monoarfa represented Indonesia at the Side Event of the Economic and Social Council Financing for Development Forum 2024, themed "Seizing Innovative Financing Opportunities for Digital Connectivity and Capacity Building." He invited global cooperation regarding funding and investment opportunities for digital transformation. Indonesia has positioned digital connectivity transformation as key to achieving sustainable development and is ready to share its experiences globally. "Digital connectivity transformation has the potential to unlock and accelerate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across various sectors, including finance, education, healthcare, and more," explained Minister Suharso at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA. Indonesia has experienced a significant surge in the digital economy, with a growth rate of 414% from 2017 to 2021. This increase is marked by several trends, including e-commerce growth, widespread adoption of digital payments, and advancements in technologies such as blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Minister Suharso also emphasized Indonesia's efforts to promote innovative financing implementation, such as public-private partnership schemes and blended finance, to address digital divides by emphasizing the importance of collaboration and financing innovation for digital connectivity.
Addressing representatives from Mexico, South Korea, Turkey, Australia, UN member states, international organizations, private sectors, philanthropies, and academics attending the forum, Minister Suharso called on all stakeholders to collaborate in leveraging innovative financing opportunities in Indonesia to drive transformation and achieve inclusive and sustainable digital connectivity. "We must build new financing platforms, explore the potential of innovative financing sources, target available funding in the most effective and needed ways, and advocate for strengthening the role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in participating in digital project development and financing structures," Minister Suharso concluded.
