"Cellphone Gap" in Indonesia: Over 23% of Population Lacks Access to Mobile Technology

The new universe is brought to us by mobile phones. However, there are still many people in Indonesia without cellphones. Without mobile phone technology, they lack the conveniences and accessibility that it offers.

We begin with the data. This is the August 2023 LSI Denny JA survey. It turns out that 23.9% of people in Indonesia do not have cellphones. One out of four Indonesians does not own a mobile.

Obviously, this is a poor percentage. In comparison to developed countries, the percentage of people without a mobile phone is extremely high.

In the majority of developed countries, less than 10% of the population has a cell phone. In fact, it is under 5% in several countries where mobile devices are unavailable, including South Korea, Israel, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

The inquiry is why? Why do they not have mobile phones? Whatever the reason, be it a personal preference, the way of life he prefers, or his personal philosophy, it is none of anybody else's concern. Similar to the Amish in the United States who choose not to use electricity.

The issue is that they may not have a cellphone since their financial situation is insufficient. They lack the funds to purchase credit and other similar items.

A similar issue arises if they happen to reside in a region where the infrastructure necessary to support a network or a signal has not yet been developed. Their socioeconomic circumstances isolate them.

With mobile phones, we have rapid access to the most recent information about science and events. The world's greatest libraries are stored on mobile phones. In addition to cellphones, network infrastructures should be visited. Business, political, social, and cultural actors are dependent on networks in this era.

Additionally, cell phones have become a means of connecting communities. Interaction via social media, cyberspace, and the sharing of experiences between communities of hobbyists, religions, or professions is considerably more efficient and practical.

There are so many opportunities made available by mobile phones, which expand the world even further.

The new world generates a "Cellphone Gap" between those who own cellphones and those who do not.

In terms of knowledge, networks, communities, and opportunities, there will be a widening gap between these two realms. Those without mobile phones will be further marginalized and shielded from the new world.

It is crucial that we discover ways to increase the number of Indonesians who own cellphones. A cellphone is a small object that has opened up a new universe.

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Ekspresi Data Denny J.A, 2023