THE VALUE of Indonesia’s (RI) digital economy has skyrocketed this year. Temasek, Google, and Bain & Company in the latest e-Conomy SEA 2021 report stated that the value of Indonesia’s digital economy reached US$ 70 billion in 2021.
This number skyrocketed 49% year on year (yoy) when compared to the value of the digital economy in 2020 which only reached US$47 billion.
According to Temasek’s Head of Strategic Investment as well as Head of Southeast Asia, Rohit Sipahimalani said that this increase was partly driven by the growth of electronic commerce (e-commerce).
“The e-commerce trade sub-sector was recorded at US$53 billion, up 52% yoy from US$35 billion in 2021,” Rohit said in his report, as quoted on Friday (11/12).
In addition to e-commerce, the growth of Indonesia’s digital economists was also driven by transportation and food delivery services, which recorded US$6.9 billion, or grew 36%, and digital media, which recorded US$6.4 billion, or grew 48%.
The rapid growth of the digital economy is inseparable from the COVID-19 pandemic that has hit Indonesia. Many consumers are turning to digital (online) because of activity restrictions.
Not surprisingly, from the beginning of the pandemic until at least the first half of this year, there were 21 million new digital consumers. While in Southeast Asia alone there are 60 million new users.
In the future, Indonesia’s digital economy is predicted to be able to grow more rapidly. By 2025, it is estimated that Indonesia’s digital economy will be able to reach US$146 billion or grow an average of 20% per year. [antaranews/photo special]