CIDISS – The development and utilization of digital technology can be a way out for poverty alleviation and unemployment, so that digital technology is considered necessary to be constantly updated and given the latest innovations.
World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said the use of digital technology can help alleviate poverty and solve the problem of inequalities that occur throughout the world. Kim said, countries must encourage investment effectively to prepare themselves for the future affected by digital technology.
Kim said the use of smartphones, the internet and social media now has changed the lives of many people because it can be a source of aspiration for the community to improve the quality of life and encourage prosperity. In addition, he added, the use of technology and automation processes in various fields can change the way a person works, create a new profession and eliminate old professions that cannot adapt to changing times. Kim said, innovations in various fields could change the scope of work, create new professions and increase employment opportunities that did not exist a few years ago. To that end, various efforts to encourage the use of digital technology must begin because as many as eight billion people are estimated to have gained “broadband” access in 2025 and most of them have smartphones.
He said, this technology must synergize with efforts to improve health services, education and skills that are useful to encourage the quality of human life.
Previously, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati helped encourage the use of digital technology to realize an inclusive economy in East Asian countries. Technology can clearly help, and we must design it to strengthen inclusive economic development strategies. According to him, Indonesia, in recent years, has enjoyed the benefits of digital technology to support prosperity. One example is the presence of an online application-based transportation service provider, Go-Jek, which has enabled millions of people to develop their livelihoods.
Sri Mulyani also appreciates other application creation initiatives that can connect people who were not previously connected. The former World Bank Managing Director said, people can now transact efficiently based on the trusts that they build on each other. These ideas are amazing.
The rapid development of digital technology requires the right policy in order to be a solution in an effort to open opportunities to overcome the problem of economic development disparities in Indonesia, therefore, digital technology is considered necessary to be continuously updated and given the latest innovations to maximize its positive impact on improving the economy.
By: M. Irfandi