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The Impact of Internet Access on COVID-19 Spread in Indonesia

Author

Listed:
  • Johannes S Kunz

    (Monash University)

  • Carol Propper

    (Imperial College London, Monash University)

  • Trong-Anh Trinh

    (Monash University)

Abstract

Digital access may bring important health gains, particularly where physical infrastructure is limited. We examine the impact of internet access in Indonesia on health outcomes using the COVID-19 pandemic as a health shock. We utilize sub-national data on mobile broadband, COVID-19 spread, and an instrumental variable approach using lightning strikes as an exogenous shock to connectivity. Access to 3G internet significantly reduced the transmission of COVID-19. Areas with internet access had approximately 45% fewer cases. Regions with higher literacy and capacity for telework benefited significantly more. These findings offer novel insights into how digital infrastructure affects public health outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Johannes S Kunz & Carol Propper & Trong-Anh Trinh, 2024. "The Impact of Internet Access on COVID-19 Spread in Indonesia," Papers 2024-07, Centre for Health Economics, Monash University.
    • Handle: RePEc:mhe:chemon:2024-07
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Health emergencies; Internet access; Information; COVID-19 Spread; Indonesia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • L96 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Telecommunications
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods

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