Jakarta, INTI – As Indonesia accelerates the development of its Nusantara Capital City (IKN) and aims to bridge the digital divide in 3T regions (Disadvantaged, Frontier, and Outermost), expanding reliable internet infrastructure has become a key priority In an interview session at INTI Media in the Inti Talk segment with the Chairman of the East Kalimantan Regional Executive Board of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), Rahadi Budiman, explained how satellite technology such as Starlink presents a more affordable and efficient connectivity solution.
IKN Digital Infrastructure: Collaboration and Satellite Solutions
Although physical development in the IKN area is still limited and waiting to be officially active in 2028, the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) authority has started concrete steps in the field of digital infrastructure. In a focus group discussion with three directors of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Authority, Rahadi revealed that collaboration has been established between the government and state-owned enterprises such as PT Telkom Indonesia and Nusantara Capital City (IKN) Plus (PLN's digital unit).
However, to accelerate connectivity amid limited cable network development, the government also relies on satellite technology. “All ASN housing, ministry offices, and settlements in IKN have now been installed with Starlink,” Rahadi explained. This satellite technology is considered to be a fast and economical solution to support digital connectivity that previously relied on fiber networks at high costs.
Starlink as an Economical Solution for 3T Areas
Not only in Nusantara Capital City (IKN), the presence of Starlink is also a breath of fresh air for 3T areas that have been constrained by GSM signals and infrastructure. According to Rahadi, the cost of using Starlink is cheaper than renting the network directly from towers owned by large operators such as Telkom, Indosat, or XL Axiata. “With Starlink, costs are much lower and we can reach customers who were previously unserved due to budget constraints,” he said.
This has a big impact on local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who previously had to rely on tower cooperation with high operational costs. Now, the internet distribution model can be more flexible, equitable, and cost-effective.
Local ISP Readiness to Welcome the Growth of Digital Technology
Rahadi also emphasized that APJII East Kalimantan members are ready to welcome the growth of digital technology, both in terms of systems, applications, and digital literacy. However, the key to successful digitalization still lies in the readiness of basic infrastructure.
“Digital infrastructure must be massively available first, then the system and digital literacy can be optimized,” he added.
Conclusion
The presence of Starlink opens a new chapter in the provision of national digital access, especially for priority areas such as Nusantara Capital City (IKN) and 3T areas. With cross-sector collaboration and the adoption of the right technology, Indonesia is steadily moving towards inclusive and efficient digital infrastructure equality. Behind the great challenges of development, solutions like Starlink prove that innovation can be a bridge to true digital transformation.
Read More:Rahadi Budiman - Advancing Digital Infrastructure in the Future Capital: Nusantara (IKN) | INTITALK