Aprima Vista Ajeng Lestari, Lestari Agusalim

TRANSFORMASI DIGITAL, KETIMPANGAN PENDAPATAN, DAN KRIMINALITAS DI INDONESIA: SEBUAH KAJIAN EMPIRIS

Introduction

Transformasi digital, ketimpangan pendapatan, dan kriminalitas di indonesia: sebuah kajian empiris. Analisis empiris dampak transformasi digital, ketimpangan pendapatan, dan kriminalitas di Indonesia. Studi ini mengungkap bagaimana pemerataan akses digital bisa menekan tingkat kejahatan.

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has become a key force in transforming various aspects of life, such as accelerating information access, enhancing economic efficiency, and creating new opportunities. However, this transformation also brings challenges, particularly regarding the unequal distribution of income. Limited access to digital technology can exacerbate income inequality, where only a small portion of the population fully optimizes its benefits while others are left behind. Income inequality, as reflected in the Gini index, indicates an increasingly unequal income distribution and potentially elevates crime rates. This study analyzes the impact of income inequality on crime in the era of digital transformation using a random effect model and panel data from 34 provinces in Indonesia from 2010 to 2022. The findings show that income inequality has a significant positive effect on crime growth, meaning that the greater the income disparity, the higher the crime growth. The interaction between income inequality and internet usage shows a significant negative effect, indicating that a more equitable distribution of digital technology can reduce the impact of income inequality on crime. Additionally, the human development index has a significant positive effect, while the COVID-19 dummy variable has a significant negative effect on crime growth.

Review

This study tackles a highly relevant and pressing issue concerning the nexus between digital transformation, income inequality, and crime rates within the Indonesian context. The chosen topic is timely, given the accelerating pace of digitalization globally and the persistent challenges of socio-economic disparity. By employing a random effect model with panel data spanning 34 provinces from 2010 to 2022, the research utilizes a robust methodology to explore these complex relationships. The explicit focus on Indonesia provides valuable insights into a developing economy undergoing significant digital shifts, making the findings potentially transferable or comparable to similar contexts. The paper's objective to empirically analyze these intertwined dynamics is clearly articulated and addresses a gap in the literature regarding the specific interplay of these factors. The findings presented are particularly insightful. The core result, demonstrating a significant positive effect of income inequality on crime growth, reinforces conventional economic theories linking disparity to social instability. Crucially, the interaction effect between income inequality and internet usage reveals that a more equitable distribution of digital technology can mitigate the crime-exacerbating impact of income inequality. This suggests that digital inclusion policies are not just about economic development but also about social cohesion and security. However, the abstract notes a significant positive effect of the Human Development Index (HDI) on crime growth, which is counter-intuitive and warrants further elaboration within the full manuscript, as HDI is typically associated with factors that *reduce* crime. The finding that the COVID-19 dummy variable has a significant negative effect on crime growth is also interesting, possibly reflecting lockdown-induced restrictions on movement and opportunities for crime. Overall, this research offers a valuable contribution to understanding the social implications of digital transformation. Its strengths lie in the chosen methodology, the detailed panel data analysis, and the exploration of an important interaction effect that holds significant policy implications for developing countries. While the unexpected positive correlation between HDI and crime growth needs deeper discussion, the study successfully highlights the critical role of equitable digital access in fostering a more stable and secure society amidst widening income gaps. Future work could delve into the specific mechanisms through which digital equity influences crime, perhaps by disaggregating crime types or exploring regional variations in digital infrastructure development.

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