ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia has reinforced its position as Southeast Asia’s largest digital economy with the national launch of its eTrade Readiness Assessment (eT Ready), developed in collaboration with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
More than a technical review, the report serves as a comprehensive national roadmap to strengthen Indonesia’s e-commerce and digital trade ecosystem—aimed at empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to access both domestic and global markets in a more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable way.
A USD 90 Billion Digital Economy — and Growing
Valued at approximately USD 90 billion in 2024, Indonesia’s digital economy accounts for more than one-third of ASEAN’s total digital market.
As the only G20 member in Southeast Asia, Indonesia has placed digital trade at the core of its long-term development strategy, aligned with the national vision of becoming a high-income, globally competitive nation by 2045.
“Indonesia demonstrates how digital transformation can drive competitiveness and inclusion at the same time,” said Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD on February 12, 2026.
“This eTrade Readiness Assessment supports the Government’s efforts to strengthen coordination, empower MSMEs to access online markets, build trust in digital transactions, and ensure resilient and sustainable digital growth.”
First G20 eT Ready to Integrate Environmental Sustainability
This report marks UNCTAD’s first eTrade Readiness Assessment conducted in a G20 country—and the first to systematically integrate environmental sustainability considerations into the analysis of e-commerce and digital trade ecosystems.
The approach reflects Indonesia’s commitment to ensuring that digital growth contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aligns economic expansion with environmental responsibility.
What the Roadmap Covers
The assessment provides a comprehensive review of Indonesia’s digital trade ecosystem, including:
– Policy and institutional coordination
– Digital infrastructure and technology adoption
– MSME participation and capacity-building
– Legal and regulatory frameworks
– Digital payments development
– Financial inclusion
– Data protection and cybersecurity
It also mainstreams cross-cutting issues such as the participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, informal sector actors, and communities in rural and underserved areas—ensuring that digital transformation benefits all segments of society.
From Logistics to Cybersecurity: Practical Recommendations
Based on extensive consultations with national and regional stakeholders across Indonesia, the report highlights significant progress in connectivity, digital payments, and the growth of local e-commerce platforms.
It also outlines actionable recommendations to:
– Enhance inter-agency coordination
– Improve logistics and delivery systems
– Strengthen digital skills and entrepreneurship
– Simplify online business procedures
– Reinforce data protection and cybersecurity frameworks
– Expand access to digital finance and funding for online businesses
According to Ditya Agung Nurdianto, Director of International Trade at Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
“The findings of this assessment will help guide Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its e-commerce and digital trade ecosystem, ensuring better alignment so that the digital economy grows not only faster, but also more fairly, securely, and resiliently.”
Strong International Collaboration
The assessment was conducted at the request of the Government of Indonesia and developed in close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), with financial support from the Government of Australia.
The national launch event convened policymakers, business leaders, academics, civil society representatives, and development partners to translate strategic priorities into concrete actions that support job creation, innovation, and inclusive growth across the country.
Why This Matters
Amid intensifying global competition and rapid technological disruption, Indonesia is positioning itself not merely as the region’s largest digital market—but as a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable digital value creator.
The launch of the eTrade Readiness Assessment signals Indonesia’s proactive leadership in shaping digital trade policy—both among developing economies and within the broader G20 framework. (AT Network)
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