Deputy Minister Highlights Digital Technology Use in Maros Fisheries

RRI.CO.ID, Maros - Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, has praised the use of digital technology by communities in Maros Regency, South Sulawesi, to support aquaculture and address the impacts of climate change.

Nezar said the use of digital data in pond management demonstrates how technology can strengthen community self-reliance while supporting food security and climate resilience.

“We are seeing how communities are using digital technology to measure salinity and temperature, record the data as big data, and make projections for the future. This is an important step toward empowering communities to face climate change,” Nezar said while opening the Rural ICT Camp 2026 in Maros Regency, South Sulawesi, Monday, September 14, 2026.

The initiative was developed through collaboration between local communities, the Research Center for Brackishwater Aquaculture and Fisheries Extension, and Common Room in a silvofishery area. Through digital tools, residents can monitor pond conditions in a measurable and data-driven manner.

The use of data is considered important in helping fish farmers respond to changing environmental conditions. High salinity caused by prolonged dry conditions, for example, can affect the survival of aquaculture commodities such as fish and crabs. Data can therefore help farmers take mitigation measures more quickly and efficiently.

Nezar stressed that the success of digital transformation at the community level should not be measured by the number of applications developed or devices installed, but by their impact on people's livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

“Our measure of success is not how many applications are created or how many devices are installed. It is whether communities become more empowered, ecosystems are better protected, and people's livelihoods become more resilient,” he said.

The government is committed to supporting similar initiatives by expanding telecommunications networks to non-commercial areas. The Ministry hopes the Rural ICT Camp 2026 in Maros can serve as a living laboratory for developing community-based internet use models that can be adopted by other communities across Indonesia.