Jakarta, INTI - PT Dayamitra Telekomunikasi Tbk (Mitratel) is preparing to provide and manage telecommunications tower infrastructure to support the deployment of High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) technology in Indonesia.
The initiative follows the extension of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AALTO HAPS Limited (AALTO) through October 2027. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona.
Under the partnership, Mitratel, a subsidiary of PT Telkom Indonesia Tbk, will serve as the supporting telecommunications infrastructure provider. Meanwhile, AALTO, a subsidiary of Airbus, will operate the aircraft and provide HAPS-based connectivity services.
Mitratel CEO Theodorus Ardi Hartoko said the partnership aims to create synergy between terrestrial telecommunications towers and HAPS technology to strengthen Indonesia’s digital ecosystem by improving the quality, coverage, and resilience of telecommunications services.
“The extension of this MoU provides a stronger foundation for both parties to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop a measurable implementation roadmap in accordance with Good Corporate Governance principles,” Theodorus said in Barcelona, according to an official statement.
From the parent company, Telkom Strategic Business Development & Portfolio Director Seno Soemadji said integrating HAPS with terrestrial networks represents a long-term strategy for Telkom Group to develop future-ready and more independent digital infrastructure.
He said the initiative could help strengthen Indonesia’s digital economy, particularly by expanding network access in areas facing geographical challenges.
“We see HAPS as a potential solution to expand coverage, strengthen network resilience, and enable new service models, particularly in challenging and underserved areas,” Seno said.
Mitratel and Telkom Group Target Wider Connectivity
Through the collaboration, the two companies will integrate terrestrial tower networks with high-altitude platform technology to expand signal coverage, improve network reliability, and reach Indonesia’s frontier, outermost, and least-developed (3T) regions that have historically been difficult to serve.
The extended partnership will include a Proof of Concept (PoC), implementation roadmap development, and feasibility studies covering technical, business, commercial, regulatory, and tax considerations.
Both companies will also coordinate with relevant government authorities to ensure compliance with licensing requirements and Good Corporate Governance standards.
AALTO CEO Hughes Boulnois expressed confidence that the company’s Stratospace Zephyr platform could provide direct connectivity to users’ mobile devices.
The technology is expected to help bridge the digital divide while strengthening connectivity resilience across the Asia-Pacific region.
“The commitment of our partners across the Asia-Pacific region positions the area as a major growth hub for AALTO and an integral part of the next chapter of global connectivity,” Boulnois said.
Conclusion
Mitratel’s extended partnership with AALTO marks a step toward integrating terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure with HAPS technology in Indonesia. The collaboration aims to expand connectivity, strengthen network resilience, and improve access to underserved areas while supporting the development of future-ready digital infrastructure.
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