Determinan Akses dan Penggunaan Teknologi Informasi Komunikasi pada Provinsi di Sumatera

Abstract

This study aims to identify the factors influencing the level of access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Sumatra Island during the period 2016–2022. A quantitative approach was employed using panel data regression with the Fixed Effect Model (FEM). The dependent variables include two indicators of ICT access, namely the proportion of internet users and mobile phone ownership. The independent variables consist of economic growth (GDP per capita), investment, government size, secondary education, tertiary education, working-age population, urbanization, and sex ratio. The estimation results reveal that economic growth has a positive and significant effect on both ICT access indicators, suggesting that regional economic expansion fosters greater digital inclusion among communities. Furthermore, urbanization also shows a positive and significant impact on mobile phone usage, emphasizing the vital role of urban areas in accelerating technology adoption. Meanwhile, other variables such as education, government size, and investment exhibit positive but statistically insignificant effects. Overall, the findings affirm that economic growth and urbanization are the primary drivers in expanding ICT accessibility across Sumatra Island.