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Ooredoo, a multinational communications service provider with operations across the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia published insights into the attitudes and outlook of young Indonesians on the use of internet and mobile communications. In its study, the 'New Horizons:Indonesia's Digital Generation' which was based on responses of 1,400 youths aged between 18-30, Ooredoo highlighted how the internet is playing a significant role in a developing economy with a high rate of urbanization and also rapid adoption in the mobile culture.
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Most interesting of the findings is the impact of internet on entrepreneurship, where 91% of the respondents say that it is encouraging them to become more entrepreneurial and 83% are intending to, or have already set up a business online. The study also shows a growing dependency on the internet for non-social purposes, especially for their economic needs - from searching for a job, running a business, resourcing, networking and for self education.
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The following are some of the key figures from the study:
82% consider their telecom operators provide a good service, although in terms of speed, only 62% rate it as good. In addition, coverage and slow connection affects 60% and 82% in rural areas
79% claim Internet speed significantly impacts the amount of time they spend using the Internet to improve themselves
80% spend at least 2 hours online in a typical day
82% with smartphones use social media apps
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53% currently shop online and 29% say they intend to
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48% claim to be more tolerant and understanding of others through direct impact from technology
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77% of respondents regularly use the Internet to improve their education
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99% of respondents have or intend to use the Internet to improve their job skills
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95% have or intend to use the Internet to look for job opportunities
58% of respondents claim they regularly use a smartphone that is connected to the Internet while in rural areas, 60% of respondents want to be using smartphones, trading in their basic mobile phones within the next 12 months. Tablet usage is expected to increase by 8% but uptake will be hindered by initial costs of the tablet devices for the price-sensitive Indonesian youth.
"Indonesian youth are hungry to improve their career prospects, educate themselves, become more entrepreneurial and broaden their horizons by connecting with each other and the rest of the world. This research demonstrates that young people in Indonesia understand the transformative power of technology and the opportunities provided by ICT. Companies, governments and organisations need to recognise this creative spark, and find ways to nurture it, so that we capture the full benefit of young people's contribution to Indonesia's future."
- H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al Thani, Chairman, Ooredoo
"This is an extremely exciting time for Indonesia as it enters a critical stage of its digital evolution and Indosat is proud to be an integral part of this journey. The study supports our belief that ICT has a vital role in helping the country's young people realise their full economic potential and it provides valuable insights for identifying opportunities to help them do so. Indosat, alongside our parent company Ooredoo, is committed to enriching peoples' lives and stimulating human growth in the communities where it operates and we know the New Horizon study findings will help us and others to continue this work."
- Alexander Rusli, CEO, Indosat