Does digital transformation bring trust or hesitation? Novel insight from the rural community of Indonesia

Abstract

Background: The instability of digital transformation in rural communities of Indonesia stresses several critical aspects that reveal how national policy goals do not align with local realities. In this case, it raises the question of whether digital transformation fosters trust or raises hesitation about the SDGs concept. However, significant state-led initiatives have been ratified within the scope of the SDGs. Interestingly, the digitalization of rural communities in Indonesia has been hampered by complex issues (e.g., legal ambiguity, institutional fragility, and low digital literacy) that need to be adequately addressed through the SDGs schemes. Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach with content analysis to explore digital transformation in rural communities in Indonesia, providing comprehensive insight into the tension between trust and hesitation. Findings: The essay identified three primary barriers in the rural community of Indonesia regarding digital transformation practices and the effects that influence the community in reality, including legal ambiguity, institutional instability, and the disconnect between connectivity and digital literacy, and so on this correlation also scale down the purpose of SDG’s in Indonesian context specifically in rural communities that must be accepted the benefits of digital transformations. Conclusion: The digital transformation must be people-centered, context-sensitive, and supported by strong institutions to ensure sustainable, inclusive outcomes for Indonesia’s rural communities. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study contributes to a theoretical and practical framework of rural digitalization as a socio-technical process, rather than a purely technological shift. Ultimately, the inspection offers actionable recommendations to eliminate key barriers and provides a new perspective on aligning digital policy with community participation and local capacities to ensure prospects’ and compliance with the SDGs scheme.