PLN Icon Plus Activates Internet Network on Long Island Bangka Belitung

3 weeks ago | Network Infrastructure

Jakarta, INTI – After waiting for more than two decades, the people of Long Island, East Belitung Regency, can finally experience internet network access. On May 10, 2025, PLN Icon Plus officially activated a satellite-based internet network on the island, which is located about 35 miles from the mainland of Manggar. This step is an important symbol of equalizing digital access in remote areas of Indonesia.

Collaboration with Local Government

The activation of the internet network was carried out during a working visit by the Regent of East Belitung, Kamarudin Muten, together with Deputy Regent Khairil Anwar. They were accompanied by a team from the Bangka Belitung Service Unit of PLN Icon Plus. This event was a follow-up to the handover of satellite-based internet equipment by the Manager of the Bangka Belitung Service Unit of PLN Icon Plus, Henry Krisyanto Parulian, to the Deputy Regent on April 16, 2024. The handover was also attended by the Head of the East Belitung Communication and Information Agency, Bayu Priyambodo.

Real Proof of Stable Connection

During the inauguration, the Regent and Vice Regent made a direct video call to their respective wives in Manggar. This symbolic action is direct evidence that the internet network on Long Island is active and running stably. “From now on, you can use the internet from Long Island,” said Deputy Regent Khairil Anwar, greeted by smiles and applause from the residents.

Commitment to Equity and Digital Inclusion

General Manager of PLN Icon Plus SBU Sumbagsel, Iwan Sofyan Sory, stated that the activation of this network is part of the company's Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSR) program. “With satellite-based technology, people in islands such as Long Island can now enjoy high-speed internet access, something that was previously difficult to reach by conventional networks,” he said.

Digital Transformation for All

President Director of PLN Icon Plus, Ari Rahmat Indra Cahyadi, said that this initiative is a form of the company's commitment to expand connectivity evenly throughout Indonesia. “We hope that the presence of this internet can open up more opportunities, and strengthen digital transformation in various sectors such as education, health, and public services,” he explained.

Supporting the 100-Day Program of Regional Leaders

This activity is also part of the realization of the 100 Days Work program of the Regent and Deputy Regent of East Belitung, which targets equal distribution of digital access to remote areas of the island. The local government is collaborating with PLN Icon Plus as a strategic partner to accelerate digital inclusion.

Connectivity Expansion Set for Other Islands

Seeing the success of the initiative on Long Island, other island areas such as Buku Limau, Batun, and Ketapang are also on the priority list for similar internet network development. Satellite technology is considered very suitable for the geographical conditions of East Belitung which consists of many small inhabited islands. PLN Icon Plus hopes that this step will be the beginning of a series of ongoing initiatives to bridge the digital divide between regions in Indonesia. The presence of equitable connectivity not only provides access to information, but also improves the quality of life of people in remote areas.

Conclusion

The activation of the internet network on Long Island by PLN Icon Plus marks an important milestone in efforts to equalize digital access in Indonesia, especially in island areas that have been isolated from internet connectivity. The collaboration between PLN Icon Plus and the East Belitung Regency Government shows a strong synergy in realizing digital inclusion as part of sustainable development. With satellite technology as a solution to geographical challenges, people can now enjoy the benefits of the internet to support the education, health and public service sectors. This initiative is not just about providing a network, but a concrete step towards a comprehensive digital transformation in remote areas.