ASEAN Summit 2023 Pushes Economic Digitalization to Strengthen the Region

The 2023 ASEAN Summit held last September was an important milestone in economic cooperation for Southeast Asia. Economic digitalization was one of the main focuses discussed at this summit. This event is an effort of economic digitalization in response to the rapid technological development and global economic changes. Before finding out more about the 2023 ASEAN Summit, let’s first find out what economic digitalization is!

What is Economic Digitalization?

Economic digitalization is a major development in the modern world by utilizing advanced technology as its main pillar. In simple terms, economic digitalization is a form of development as well as a major change in the way we do business and do economic things using technology.

Economic digitization is increasingly in demand because it can make business processes and the like faster and more practical. This fast process allows the economy to move forward more efficiently. An example of economic digitization in everyday life is bill payments or shopping that can be done through a single device, the smartphone.

Economic Digitalization as a Main Pillar of the ASEAN Summit 2023   

The ASEAN Summit 2023 is an annual ASEAN event held for 3 days (September 5-7, 2023) at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC). This event is held regularly and attended directly by the leaders of each ASEAN country to discuss various issues and cooperation involving ASEAN member countries.

This 43rd ASEAN Summit makes economic digitalization one of the main pillars of discussion because digital transformation has become one of the main factors and determinants in supporting the latest innovations in economic growth.

In addition, this discussion addressed the importance of economic digitalization in reducing the digital gap. Besides, economic digitalization is a form of recovery effort from the massive impact arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the event, the economic development effort as a strategic pillar of Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship was “Rebuilding Regional Growth, Connectivity, and New Competitiveness”. This shows that the development of economic digitalization is also expected to increase regional economic growth, connectivity, and new competitiveness in the ASEAN region.

Efforts to Strengthen the Digital Economy in ASEAN

There are various things that can be done to strengthen ASEAN’s digital economy. However, one of the main points emphasized at the event was the aspect of strengthening digital security. This is because the wider the use of technology, the higher the security risk. Therefore, strengthening security should include personal data protection, cybercrime prevention, and increasing public trust in digital services.

During the recent ASEAN Summit 2023, the Minister of Communication and Information of the Republic of Indonesia, Budi Arie Setiadi, also stated that Indonesia actively participates in strengthening digitalization programs in Southeast Asia. Some examples are Digital Up Skilling through Pre-Employment Cards, National Movement on Digital Literacy, Sea Labs Academy, and scholarships and special academies to train young talents in the field of technology.

In addition, the government also strengthens Indonesia’s infrastructure by expanding 4G network coverage, gradually implementing 5G networks, and utilizing Low Earth Orbit Satellite technology so that 3T (foremost, outermost, and underdeveloped) areas can enjoy internet access while transitioning to a digital economy.

Benefits of Economic Digitalization for Indonesia

Economic digitalization was one of the focuses of the event due to its significant benefits. For example, in Indonesia, economic digitalization can significantly boost national economic growth through digital platform sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, and other digital services that are widely used in Indonesia.

In fact, not only large businesses; economic digitalization also supports the success of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to compete on a larger scale, especially considering their important role in the post-pandemic national economic recovery.

According to data published in a press release by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in 2022, 99% of businesses in Indonesia fall under the category of MSMEs, which are able to absorb 96.9% of the total national workforce. Moreover, due to the government’s program to increase export volume involving MSME business models with digital technology, 15.69% of local MSMEs have successfully introduced their businesses to other countries. As a result, the country’s economy has quickly recovered after the pandemic.


It can be concluded that the ASEAN Summit 2023 has become an important stage in efforts to strengthen the digital economy in the ASEAN region. In the midst of technology-driven global transformation, economic digitalization has become a strategic pillar for building inclusive and sustainable growth. Economic digitalization also ensures that the ASEAN region can become stronger and more globally competitive.