According to the latest report from the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), smartphone penetration in Indonesia stands at about 59% of the total population. This statistic reveals that roughly 4 out of 10 Indonesians do not own a smartphone, indicating there is still considerable room for growth in device adoption.
Insight from GSMA's Report
Julian Gorman, the Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA, presented these findings during a recent online session discussing the Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2026 report. He noted, “Smartphone penetration in Indonesia is currently around 59 percent. Therefore, there is potential for increasing its usage.”
Understanding the Demographics
The 59% penetration rate reflects the entire population, meaning it also includes children and other demographic groups that do not yet own a smartphone. This low adoption rate highlights that smartphones have not yet reached all segments of Indonesian society, despite being a crucial gateway to various digital services such as communication, education, financial services, and e-commerce.
The Internet Connectivity Gap
It is important to note that while cellular networks cover approximately 98% of Indonesia's population, a significant usage gap persists. GSMA reports that while only about 2% of the population lives in areas lacking cellular coverage, there remains a 21% gap among adults who reside in covered regions but are not utilizing the internet.
Current Internet Usage Trends
Overall, GSMA's data indicates that around 77% of Indonesia's adult population has access to the internet. This finding suggests that the challenges related to connectivity in Indonesia extend beyond merely establishing network infrastructure; they also involve encouraging actual internet use among those who have access.
This report sheds light on the ongoing digital divide in Indonesia, where many still lack access to smartphones, highlighting the need for targeted initiatives to promote device adoption and internet usage among underserved populations.
Source: https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2026/08/20/17590007/4-dari-10-orang-indonesia-ternyata-belum-pakai-smartphone
