Magelang —- Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid challenged all regional heads not to just follow the flow, but to be pioneers in digital transformation in their respective regions.

In a briefing session at the Military Academy (Akmil) Magelang, Central Java, Meutya emphasized that digitalization is not just a trend, but a necessity to accelerate more efficient and transparent public services.

"This digital transformation is not a matter of choice, but of necessity. President Prabowo has emphasized the importance of electronic-based public services. This means that regional heads must be ready to lead change, not just wait for direction from the center," said the Minister of Communication and Digital, Tuesday (25/2/2025).

He reminded that without close coordination between the center and regions, especially in the 3T (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost) regions, digitalization will be limping.

Therefore, the Minister of Communication and Digital opens up space for regional heads to convey challenges and input in order to create more relevant policies.

"Don't hesitate to criticize, give input, and discuss. We want this digital transformation to really have an impact," he said.

The Minister of Communication and Digital emphasized that digital transformation is the path to national sovereignty.

The target is ambitious: average economic growth of 8 percent per year.

However, this is only possible if regional heads dare to implement policies that support digitalization and innovation.

"We should not just be consumers of technology, but must be sovereign in creating and controlling our own digital ecosystem," said Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya.

The main principles that must be upheld are inclusivity, empowerment, trust, and digital sovereignty.

So that digital transformation is not just a slogan, regional heads must also understand the various regulations that are the foundation of national digitalization, such as PP No. 46/2021 concerning Post, Telecommunications, and Broadcasting, Law No. 27/2022 concerning Personal Data Protection, Permenkominfo No. 9/2023 concerning Artificial Intelligence, Presidential Decree No. 21/2024 concerning Online Gambling Control, and Law No. 1/2024 concerning Electronic Information and Transactions

"Without understanding the regulations, it is difficult for regions to formulate appropriate digital policies. Regional heads should not be technologically illiterate or left behind in digital regulations," said Meutya.

The regional head retreat at Akmil Magelang lasted for a week, 21--28 February 2025, with various strategic materials.

In the second session today, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar (Cak Imin), as well as Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu'ti, and Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid also provided briefings.

"Digital transformation is not just the task of the central government. Regional heads must ensure that digitalization brings real benefits to the people. So, are you ready to lead change?" challenged Meutya in front of the retreat participants. (Komdigi)