Focus Group Discussion – Accelerating the G20 Digital Transformation Vision: Harmonization of Central Government Regulations with Regional Governments

The Center for International Law Studies event engaged in a collaborative effort with the Djokosoetono Research Center of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Indonesia (FHUI), and Imran Ganie & Partners participated in the event. A Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held on October 31, 2023, to address the harmonization of central and regional government regulations in accelerating the G20’s digital vision. The event’s keynote speakers were Prof. Hikmahanto Juwana, S.H., LL.M., Ph.D. (Professor at FHUI), Prof. Dr. Jamin Ginting, S.H., M.H., M.Kn (Professor at Universitas Pelita Harapan), and Hadi Rahmat Purnama, S.H., LL.M. (Head of the Center for International Law Studies, FHUI).

The discussion highlighted a significant challenge to Indonesia’s digital transformation: the disharmony between national laws and local government regulations (Perda). Speakers noted that while the central government is pushing for digital infrastructure development through laws like UU No. 6 of 2023 and PP No. 46 of 2021, which mandate ease of access for telecommunication providers, some regional regulations create obstacles. A key example cited was the Surabaya City Regulation (Perda), which imposes levies on the installation of fiber optic networks. Prof. Jamin Ginting explained that such local levies ultimately harm the public, as the costs are passed on to the end consumers. Prof. Hikmahanto Juwana emphasized that for the national vision of digital transformation to succeed, central government efforts must be harmonized with regional policies.