Press Release
Jakarta, Indonesia – Digital platforms are moving beyond their traditional commercial functions to become essential tools for public policy delivery. However, closer collaboration between the private and public sectors, especially during the early stages of policy design, is needed. This will enable platforms to help expand the government’s delivery of public goods and services to the population, while reducing implementation costs on both sides. These were some insights shared at Tech for Good Institute’s panel discussion “People, Policy and Platforms: Strengthening Public Delivery for a More Inclusive Society in Indonesia.”
The panel took place on 19 August and was co-hosted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), with Sonny Hendra Sudaryana, Acting Director of Digital Ecosystem Development, Komdigi, providing opening remarks. Mr. Sudaryana highlighted the importance of working together to integrate the digital ecosystem, so as to boost the potential of the Indonesian digital economy. He also highlighted some of the government’s plans to boost the potential of the digital economy, such as pro-innovation regulation in the form of sandbox models and start-up friendly licensing, and support for women-led and rural start-ups.
Moderated by Citra Nasruddin, Programme Director of TFGI, the panel brought together Muhammad Faisal, Head of Partnerships & Investment Ecosystems, Directorate of Digital Ecosystems Development, MCDA; Budi Primawan, Secretary General of Indonesian E-Commerce Association (idEA) and Hafiz Noer, Head of Public Policy and Government Relations, Centre for Digital Society (CfDS). Panelists explored how strategic partnerships between government and digital platforms can create more inclusive and efficient public services that will ultimately benefit Indonesians.
Making the Invisible Economy Visible
A key insight highlighted during the discussion was how platforms are providing unprecedented visibility into Indonesia’s informal economy. For example, digital platforms are able to generate real-time data on on-demand workers, micro-enterprises, and first-time digital consumers that was previously invisible to policymakers. This visibility, in turn, can enable governments to design more adaptive interventions, such as targeted SME support.
The panel also identified three critical areas where platform-government collaboration is most promising in Indonesia.
Digital Payments & Financial Inclusion: Digital wallets and payment platforms are facilitating broader financial access, with platforms also serving as efficient channels for social assistance and emergency aid delivery.
Logistics & Last-Mile Services: Delivery platforms and logistics networks are enhancing government’s reach to remote communities and informal workers, particularly in social program distribution and emergency responses.
E-commerce & Market Access: Marketplace platforms are contributing significantly to MSME growth by connecting rural producers to national markets and supporting downstream industrialization for more equitable economic growth.
Sandbox Approach Enables Innovation
Looking ahead, panelists advocated for outcome-based and sandbox-style regulation to ensure policies remain fit for purpose in Indonesia’s fast-changing digital landscape. This approach allows governments to test platform-enabled solutions, learn quickly from results, and scale what works.
“The future of public service delivery in Indonesia will be shaped by how effectively we can forge these partnerships.
Today’s discussion was a crucial step in building a shared understanding that digital platforms, when harnessed correctly, can be a powerful force for a more inclusive and prosperous society.”
said Citra Nasruddin, after the discussion.
About the Digital Platform for Public Benefits Initiative
Digital platforms across Southeast Asia (SEA) have enhanced policy implementation and public service delivery. However, effectively leveraging these platforms requires new approaches to public-private collaboration and a deeper understanding of platform economics in governance contexts. This research initiative explores these opportunities through workshops in three SEA markets, culminating in a comprehensive analysis and policy recommendations for the region.
About the Tech for Good Institute
Tech for Good Institute (TFGI) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2021 to encourage conversations and dialogue on how the promise of technology and the digital economy may be leveraged to enable sustainable, equitable, and inclusive growth for Southeast Asia.
For media inquiries, please contact:
- Citra H Nasruddin
Programme Director, TFGI
[email protected]
