Jakarta (ANTARA) – The latest report from the Access Partnership shows that Google Play and Android are driving the growth of the application economy in Indonesia with 97 new internet users and an increase in gross domestic product (GDP) of IDR 653 trillion.

According to a report entitled “Accelerating the app economy in Indonesia: Android and Google Play’s impact in Indonesia”, the presence of Android increases industry diversity and innovation, reduces the price of smartphones, and expands consumer choice.

Meanwhile, Google Play plays a role in helping Indonesia’s development in reaching a global audience and offers an average of 23 new applications that can be downloaded every day.

“This better affordability and accessibility has resulted in 97 million more Indonesians being able to access the Internet via smartphone, resulting in a contribution of IDR 653 trillion to Indonesia’s GDP over the last 5 years compared to if Android were not on the market,” said Access Partnership Director Abhineet Kaul in a statement. online, at an event in Jakarta, Monday.

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According to the report, Android users love the accessibility, adaptability and overall user experience of the Android ecosystem.

Even though they don’t use a smartphone with an Android system, non-Android users still use the Google applications that are installed on their devices.

This is supported by data showing that 97 percent of users will download Google applications if the application is not installed on their smartphone device.

“In addition, the mobile open ecosystem created by Google Play and Android has created jobs in the app and freelance sectors in Indonesia, supporting around 162,000 jobs, including direct, indirect and ancillary jobs,” said Abhineet.

However, while Indonesia’s burgeoning app industry offers a wide range of potential, it also faces major obstacles that require attention, including digital accessibility, limited digital adoption among MSMEs, and a lack of skilled technology workers.

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The report reveals a number of policies that can help overcome challenges in the application industry.

Among other things, strengthening internet access and digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas, supporting the business world, especially MSMEs, to transform digitally.

Furthermore, improving skills for prospective application developers and current application developers, as well as building Indonesia’s capabilities as a regional technology center through collaboration and sharing knowledge between application developers in the surrounding region.

In addition, some Indonesians still lack reliable internet access. This gap is considered to require large investments in infrastructure that can connect regions, including remote areas.

Meanwhile, University of Indonesia Economist Fithra Faisal said that by implementing these policies strategically, Indonesia can overcome challenges and fully unleash the potential of its application economy.

“This effort ensures that the progress achieved in the digital world reaches all corners of the country, pushing it towards a digital future that leaves no one behind,” he said.

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Reporter: Fathur Rochman
Editor: Siti Zulaikha
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