Jakarta, INTI - Equalizing access to communications and the internet in eastern Indonesia still faces significant challenges, despite the continued acceleration of the national digital transformation.
Satellite-based infrastructure is a crucial solution because the region's geographical conditions, dominated by mountains, dense forests, and islands, make it difficult to build physical networks such as fiber optics and base stations. Consequently, many blank spots remain, limiting public access to information, public services, and the digital economy.
Telkomsat's Commercial Director, Andri Yunianto, emphasized that the internet is not only for communication, but it also opens up economic opportunities, including encouraging the digitalization of MSMEs and access to a wider market.
Therefore, strengthening connectivity in eastern Indonesia is crucial to ensure that the benefits of the digital economy are felt equally across Indonesia.
Improving The 3T Regions
In line with the government’s development efforts from the periphery, the combination of satellite technology and infrastructure investment is expected to reduce disparities and improve the quality of life for people in the 3T (frontier, outermost, and least developed) regions.
Satellite technology is considered the most effective way to reach areas difficult to access with wired or cellular networks, while also serving as the backbone of communications in remote areas.
Satellite also supports various strategic sectors, such as education through access to digital learning, health through telemedicine services, and improving the quality of digital-based public services by regional governments.
According to the latest data from the 2025 survey by the Indonesian Internet Service Provider Association (APJII), the national internet penetration rate has reached 80.66%. However, this statistic does not reflect regional equality. In the Maluku and Papua regions, the penetration rate is only 69.26%.
This situation demonstrates that equitable digital access remains a major challenge, particularly in regions with difficult terrain and high infrastructure development costs.
Conclusion
Equal internet access in Eastern Indonesia is still hampered by geographical conditions and limited infrastructure, making satellite technology the primary solution for reaching remote areas. According to Telkomsat, connectivity is crucial for opening economic opportunities and supporting the education, health, and public service sectors. The digital divide remains evident, as APJII data shows, with internet penetration in Maluku and Papua lower than the national average.
Read more: APJATEL Remains Committed to Expanding Fiber Optic Networks Despite Rising Costs