Utilization of ICT in Maintaining Social Resilience in Rural Indonesia

Abstract

There is still a gap in internet access in rural areas compared to urban areas. A digital transformation has occurred in rural areas in the last decade. So far, research on ICI use in rural areas has been limited to discussing the concept of smart villages, government and public services, and marketing of village products. This article aims to explain that using ICI can maintain the social resilience of rural communities. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach in three villages selected based on the categorization of the Village Building Index (IDM). The results show that digital transformation in the village cannot be separated from ICI infrastructure, digital literacy, and digital services. We found that the difference in the level of digital transformation in each village was directly proportional to the level of the village's IDM status. In conclusion, ICI is beneficial for maintaining social resilience in villages in social protection, community participation, conflict management, and local knowledge in managing natural and social resources.