Shared Responsibility: 5 Key Takeaways from CIPS DigiWeek 2025 on Indonesia's Digital Future

In its sixth year, DigiWeek 2025 brought together thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and civil society actors under the theme “Shared Responsibility: Redefining Stakeholders’ Role in the Digital Era.” Hosted by the Center for Indonesian Policy Studies (CIPS), this year’s event underscored the urgent need for collective action to navigate the challenges and opportunities emerging from Southeast Asia’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

The conference opened with insights from the Tech for Good Institute, a regional non- profit committed to promoting sustainable growth through digital innovation. As Indonesia enters a new phase of digital transformation—home to over 180 million smartphone users and with its digital economy projected to reach USD 130 billion by 2025—discussions focused on how to balance innovation with inclusion, safety, and trust.

Shared Challenges, Shared Solutions

Representatives from both the public and private sectors acknowledged the pressing risks in the digital space, from misinformation and fraud to increasing geopolitical tensions and persistent sustainability gaps. One speaker pointedly differentiated between being secure (i.e., technically protected from hacks) and being safe (i.e.,shielded from scams, cyberbullying, and misuse of data). Both, it was agreed, are essential.

The concept of shared responsibility featured prominently throughout the sessions. Speakers highlighted how divergence in governance structures and knowledge asymmetries have made collaboration more difficult, but also more necessary. From Singapore’s shared responsibility framework to Indonesia’s push for a comprehensive Personal Data Protection (PDP) law, the region is searching for mechanisms that promote both innovation and public trust.

From Principles to Practice

Martya Litna Gemellita, Head of Communications at CIPS, emphasized DigiWeek’s dual purpose: to inspire practical, multi-stakeholder action and to elevate public awareness of digital issues. “Let’s continue working together for a better digital future in Indonesia,” she urged. The Policy Communiqué will consolidate recommendations discussed over the three-day conference.

In a high-level forum on Online Trust and Safety, panellists explored what roles government, civil society, and private companies must play. One speaker highlighted the government’s priority: ensuring basic infrastructure and digital education for all Indonesians, especially outside of Java, where access remains limited. Another expert stressed that while Indonesia has high internet penetration, digital literacy is “another thing entirely.” Currently, less than 5% of the population has high digital literacy, making inclusive education and upskilling programs more urgent than ever.

Trust is a Daily Practice

Private sector actors also shared their approaches to building trust. A representative from Grab showcased more than 20 safety features, from AI-powered fraud detection to invisible protective systems that operate in real time. Yet, he emphasized that “trust must be built on an everyday basis,” and that no company can act alone. Collaboration with regulators, ministries, and communities is vital.

The conversation also turned to legal frameworks. One speaker stressed that Indonesia must move beyond vocabulary and toward action. “We can’t regulate the government only from inside the government,” he noted. Building effective governance will require transparency, coordination, and an empowered data protection authority.

Key Takeaways

As the forum came to a close, speakers were asked to reflect on the single most important principle for creating a trusted digital space. Answers included urgency, competence, honour, and integrity, but above all, a commitment to collaborative action. Policy alone will not be enough, it needs to be followed by its inclusive implementation, backed by strong partnerships and held accountable by stakeholders.

In the words of one participant, “At the end of the day, policy, practice, and partnerships

are what will make the digital landscape a safe, trusted, and innovative space.”