Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has emphasized that affordable radio frequency spectrum is essential to accelerating telecommunications infrastructure development and expanding 5G coverage nationwide.
Kemkomdigi Secretary-General Ismail said spectrum management policies should enable telecommunications operators to continue investing in network development.
He made the remarks at Bali Tech Week (BTW) 2026 in Sanur, Bali, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
“Spectrum is not just about how the government generates revenue from its utilization, but also about ensuring that spectrum costs remain affordable. This will allow all operators to build and expand their infrastructure as quickly as possible,” Ismail said.
He added that affordable spectrum costs could give operators greater flexibility to allocate investment toward digital infrastructure.
Kemkomdigi Highlights Spectrum Costs as a Key Factor in 5G Expansion
Ismail explained that radio frequency spectrum is a critical component of telecommunications network development.
Affordable spectrum access can provide operators with greater capacity to expand service coverage, particularly as 5G technology continues to advance rapidly.
He stressed that government policies should not focus solely on state revenue but also consider the telecommunications industry’s ability to build and maintain networks sustainably.
Lower spectrum costs are expected to encourage operators to accelerate investment and infrastructure development, supporting broader public access to digital services.
More Than 98% of Indonesia’s Territory Covered by 4G Networks
Kemkomdigi reported that 4G network coverage has reached more than 98% of Indonesia’s territory, providing a foundation for the development of next-generation connectivity.
Ismail said the rapid advancement of 5G technology has made spectrum availability increasingly important.
“More than 98% of Indonesia’s territory is connected to 4G networks, while 5G is developing rapidly. Therefore, radio frequency spectrum has become a critical issue,” he said.
He noted that expanding connectivity is essential to enabling people to use digital services productively.
The government considers telecommunications infrastructure development a key component of the country’s broader digital transformation agenda. Reliable connectivity is necessary to ensure that communities can access and benefit from a growing range of digital services.
Government Shifts Its Approach to Spectrum Management
Ismail said the government has adjusted its approach to spectrum management over the past five to seven years to balance state revenue with the telecommunications industry’s investment needs.
One example is the latest spectrum auction, which adopted relatively affordable pricing to give operators more room to continue investing in network infrastructure.
Kemkomdigi also plans to pursue additional spectrum allocations to support telecommunications technology development as demand evolves.
The government considers long-term industry sustainability alongside current connectivity requirements when developing its spectrum policies.
Spectrum Policies Must Balance State Revenue and Operator Investment
Kemkomdigi emphasized that radio frequency spectrum should not be viewed solely as a source of government revenue. It is also a strategic resource for accelerating digital infrastructure development.
According to Ismail, spectrum management should balance three priorities: state revenue, operators’ investment capacity, and the benefits of connectivity for the public.
Spectrum costs must remain manageable enough for telecommunications companies to operate sustainably while ensuring that network development delivers tangible public benefits.
Maintaining this balance is essential to preventing high spectrum costs from slowing infrastructure expansion and supporting long-term connectivity growth.
Telecommunications Infrastructure Requires Long-Term Investment
Ismail highlighted that telecommunications infrastructure requires substantial capital investment and considerable development time.
Consequently, spectrum policies must support the long-term sustainability of operators’ investments.
“The key consideration is sustainability. Infrastructure development takes time and requires significant capital investment. That is why sustainability is so important,” he said.
Kemkomdigi views sustainable infrastructure development as a crucial factor in Indonesia’s digital progress.
Through more affordable and balanced spectrum management, the government hopes to encourage continued industry investment, accelerate 5G network expansion, and extend connectivity benefits to more communities across Indonesia.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s push for affordable spectrum costs reflects its efforts to accelerate 5G deployment and strengthen national digital infrastructure. By balancing state revenue with telecommunications operators’ investment needs, Kemkomdigi aims to promote sustainable network expansion, improve connectivity, and broaden access to digital services across the country.
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