Jakarta — Indonesia has officially claimed the top spot in global mobile internet penetration, but the achievement comes with a warning. According to the Digital 2025 Global Overview Report, 98.7% of Indonesians aged 16 and above access the internet through smartphones, surpassing the Philippines and South Africa at 98.5%.
On average, Indonesians spend 7 hours and 22 minutes online daily, well above the global average of 6 hours and 38 minutes. While this figure is still lower than South Africa and Brazil, where users exceed 9 hours per day, the dominance of smartphones in Indonesia is striking: 63% of users rely primarily on mobile devices, compared to just 37% on computers.
Demographic data reveals that young women aged 16–24 are the most active smartphone users, averaging 4 hours and 44 minutes daily. Men aged 25–44, meanwhile, show higher reliance on computers, though still less than their mobile usage.
Experts warn that while digital adoption fuels economic growth and innovation, the sheer intensity of smartphone use raises concerns about digital addiction, mental health, and productivity. Indonesia’s case highlights a paradox: the same connectivity that empowers communities also risks overwhelming them.
As the nation accelerates its digital transformation, policymakers face a critical challenge—how to balance connectivity with well-being. Without intervention, Indonesia’s “number one” ranking could become a double-edged sword, celebrated for progress yet criticized for its social costs.
