Antara News·Indonesia·Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 11:57 AM UTC

Indonesia seeks ITU Council seat, highlights digital transformation

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L. Kristianti, Tegar Nurfitra

Indonesia used the 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Doha, Qatar, to showcase its approach to digital transformation as part of efforts to improve public welfare.

Speaking at a high-level policy forum in Doha on Wednesday (Nov. 11), local time, Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry Secretary-General Ismail said the strategy was centered on developing digital connectivity infrastructure.

"The launch of the SATRIA-1 satellite has had significant social and economic impacts by expanding internet access to remote and underserved areas," he said, as quoted in a ministry statement received here on Thursday.

Ismail also highlighted efforts to accelerate 5G adoption and improve connectivity quality, including through the auction of the 700 MHz and 2.6 GHz frequency bands in August 2026.

"This measure aims to expand access to digital services while strengthening the resilience and reliability of our connectivity infrastructure," he added.

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening digital ecosystem governance through regulatory reforms and the development of a national artificial intelligence roadmap.

Ismail cited Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on the Governance of Electronic Systems for Child Protection, known domestically as PP TUNAS, which strengthens safeguards for children under the age of 16 by restricting their access to digital platforms.

He also highlighted a 2026 ministerial regulation on telecommunications subscriber registration, which introduces mandatory biometric verification for access to cellular services.

"Biometric-based SIM card registration using facial recognition is intended to strengthen subscriber identity verification and help prevent the misuse of phone numbers," he said.

Ismail also underscored the need for countries to work together to address challenges facing digital transformation.

In this regard, he described the ITU as a strategic platform for member states to exchange expertise, build consensus, and strengthen technical capacity.

Indonesia has demonstrated its commitment to this goal by seeking a seat on the ITU Council for the 2027–2030 term.

"Let us build a more inclusive, safer, and more resilient digital future," Ismail said, while calling for support for Indonesia's council bid.

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