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Mobile application development in Indonesia has grown at a tremendous rate. As the fourth largest population in the world with 264 million people, the number of people who access the internet using the mobile phone in Indonesia has increased. In fact, the World Cellular Information Service reported that from 2014 and 2015, the number of mobile internet users in Indonesia rose by 12 million.
Google reported that in 2018, Indonesia was the largest digital economy in the Southeast Asian region. In fact, daily internet usage increased to 79% in 2017, compared to 2013’s 49%.
Google’s 2018 Search Insights report on Indonesia stated that nearly all users access the web in Indonesia do so by using their smartphone. What’s more, the mobile usage has surged in the areas outside of the 6 major metropolitan areas in the country.
The growth of mobile internet use in Indonesia is thanks in part by the affordability of smartphones—certain brands offer lower-end smartphones at a fraction of the cost of the higher end phones such as Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s S-series—and the accessibility of internet service. Most restaurants or stores in major cities, for example, provide wi-fi services for their customers. Even internet data packages are more affordable in Indonesia than in countries such as Canada, for example.
The downside of it, however, is that the internet speed on Indonesia’s mobile network is much slower. However, that doesn’t seem to deter the Indonesian market, considering the swift growth of mobile internet use.
In fact, 94% of internet goers in Indonesia are accessing the internet using their mobile phones, according to Google. And consider this: that same number was a mere 40% in 2013. The speed in which mobile became the main access point for internet in the country is simply astounding.
That and the way that Indonesians became quick to embrace mobile development in Indonesia, particularly when it comes to “convenience” mobile apps.
What exactly do we mean by “Convenience” mobile apps?
It’s the ecommerce apps such as Tokopedia and Shopee. It’s also apps such as Gojek and Grab. Gojek’s story in particular makes for a compelling case study.
For those who are unaware, the Gojek mobile app started out as rideshare app, specifically for motorcycles. Throughout the years, however, it has expanded into something else entirely.
Thanks to OVO and Gopay, Indonesians in the metropolitan areas are moving towards a cashless society. The convenience of using your mobile phone to pay from things such as your meals, your groceries or even your health insurance has made Gojek and Grab particularly popular.
So, what does this mean for businesses in Indonesia, or those businesses that wish to enter the Indonesian market?
Well, one of the main takeaways from this is how often smartphone users in Indonesia access the internet through their phone. Which means that companies whose websites aren’t responsive or particularly mobile-friendly would be losing business.
Keep in mind, also, that the internet speed in Indonesia is relatively slower than countries such as Japan or Korea, for example. So, their website needs to be able to load quickly on slower speeds.
Another thing to consider is the importance of mobile development in Indonesia, particularly in terms of mobile apps. Many people in Indonesia rely on mobile applications for a number of things. Due to security concerns regarding the use of credit cards, Indonesians tend to use mobile banking to pay for their purchases.
So, for example, if someone in Jakarta were to purchase a pair of shoes from Tokopedia—a well-known e-commerce site—they would pay using their BCA (Bank Central Asia) app. And when they choose their delivery option, they may opt to use Gojek’s delivery services, though admittedly, they would not have to access the Gojek app for that particular service, thanks to Gojek’s partnership with a number of e-commerce companies.
Indonesians tend to enjoy the convenience of using mobile apps for their daily needs, which translates to great news for mobile development in Indonesia. With a ready and enthusiastic population that has been deemed to spend most of their time online on their smartphone, companies entering the market can find plenty of opportunities.
Crubiks offers mobile development in Indonesia and in Canada. Should you have any questions regarding creating your very own mobile app or about mobile internet in Indonesia, please contact us today.