Jakarta, INTI – Equal access to the internet in Indonesia has once again come under the spotlight. Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi) Meutya Hafid has called on telecommunication operators to accelerate the development of network infrastructure, particularly in villages that remain unconnected.
Although all provinces in Indonesia already have internet access, Meutya revealed that around 15,000 villages are still without connectivity. This condition remains a joint responsibility for both the government and the private sector, especially telecommunication operators.
A Healthier Telecommunication Industry
On the same occasion, Meutya addressed the consolidation of the telecommunications industry, which now consists of only three major operators in Indonesia. According to her, this merger has had a positive impact by making the industry healthier and more competitive.
“When the industry is healthier, we also expect operators to expand coverage to areas that are currently unconnected, even if those regions do not have as large a market share as Java Island,” said Meutya in Jakarta, Wednesday 27, August, 2025.
The Importance of Digital Literacy
Beyond infrastructure development, the minister also emphasized the importance of digital literacy for society. With a population of more than 280 million, she stressed that improving digital literacy must be carried out on a larger scale through collaboration among multiple stakeholders.
“If we try to promote literacy without support, it will become an extraordinary challenge,” Meutya added.
National Internet Penetration Data
According to the latest report by the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), national internet penetration in 2025 reached 80.66 percent, equivalent to 229.4 million people out of Indonesia’s total population of 284.4 million.
This figure increased by around 1 percent compared to 2024, which stood at 79.50 percent. Java recorded the highest internet penetration rate at 84.69 percent, followed by Kalimantan at 78.72 percent, and Sumatra at 77.12 percent.
Conclusion
Efforts to expand equal internet access in Indonesia remain a major agenda for the government and telecommunication operators. With more evenly distributed infrastructure and stronger digital literacy, it is expected that all segments of society will be able to fully benefit from the economic, educational, and social opportunities of digital connectivity.
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