Indonesia’s digital transformation continues to gain momentum. The East Ventures – Digital Competitiveness Index (EV-DCI) 2026 reveals a compelling shift: regions outside Java are accelerating their digitalization and catching up.
The report, presented by East Ventures and Katadata Insight Center, highlights that the national median digital competitiveness score rose to 42.2 in 2026, up from 38.8 the previous year. This improvement is reflected across 37 of the 38 provinces, with 47 of the 50 measured indicators showing positive gains.
The EV-DCI maps digital competitiveness and readiness across 38 provinces and 157 cities/regencies, evaluated through three primary sub-indices: Input, Output, and Support.
While progress is widespread, Java remains dominant, occupying the top five positions. DKI Jakarta leads with a score of 79.6, followed by West Java (63.9), East Java (58.0), Banten (57.4), and D.I. Yogyakarta (55.9). Java’s competitive edge is further bolstered by the quality of its digital human capital, which continues to outperform other regions, though the disparity is narrowing.
Regions outside Java achieve significant gains
Southwest Papua recorded the most significant improvement, climbing 15 spots—from 33rd to 18th place—with an 8.8-point increase, driven by improved infrastructure and digital economic activity.
East Kalimantan also climbed to 6th place nationally, benefiting from expanded internet access that has enhanced public services and digital economic activity. Similarly, South Sulawesi has re-entered the top 10 rankings after several years off the list.
These improvements are generally supported by a combination of digital infrastructure development, growth in the digital economy, and the digitalization of government services. East Java and Central Java have also maintained their top-tier positions through consistent digital development.
While most regions have improved their scores, not all have achieved higher rankings. Papua dropped 11 spots to 31st, and Southeast Sulawesi fell eight spots to 26th. Notably, these declines were not due to worsening performance; rather, their scores improved at a slower pace than their peers’, reflecting intense regional competition.
Seven years of EV-DCI: From bridging gaps to driving productivity
Seven years of EV-DCI data reveal a significant shift in Indonesia’s digital transformation. Since the inaugural 2020 report (median score: 27.6), the index has grown by over 50%, reaching 42.2 in 2026.
Initially, Indonesia’s digital development focused on bridging the internet access gap and building telecommunications infrastructure.
Today, that transformation has now entered a different phase. The primary challenge is no longer just access but ensuring that technology is well-utilized to boost economic productivity, expand public services, and strengthen financial inclusion.
Consequently, digitalization is no longer viewed merely as a supporting sector. EV-DCI 2026 report shows that digital readiness is now a core foundation for Indonesia’s competitiveness and equitable economic growth.
The full EV-DCI 2026 report is available at east.vc/DCI in both English and Bahasa Indonesia.
