Jakarta, INTI - PT Telkom Akses, a subsidiary of PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding Indonesia's digital workforce by inaugurating Fiber Optic (FO) Laboratories at vocational high schools in the country's frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped (3T) regions.
The laboratories were officially launched at SMKN 1 Tuhemberua in North Nias Regency, North Sumatra, on June 26, 2026. The inauguration was conducted in a hybrid format and simultaneously involved SMKN 1 Kupang Regency in East Nusa Tenggara and SMKN 1 Sorong Regency in Southwest Papua.
The initiative is part of a collaboration between Telkom Akses and the Directorate General of Vocational Education, Special Education, and Special Services Education under Indonesia's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to strengthen vocational education in underserved regions.
Nizar, Director of Human Capital & Information Technology at Telkom Akses, emphasized that the private sector has a critical role in developing a vocational education ecosystem capable of producing talent that meets the evolving needs of Indonesia's digital industry.
"Indonesia's digital transformation cannot reach its full potential if human capital development remains concentrated in major cities. Industry has an important responsibility to expand access to education and technical skills, including in 3T regions that continue to face significant challenges," Nizar said.
The education assistance program, valued at more than Rp100 million, runs for six months and supports three vocational schools selected by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education: SMKN 1 Tuhemberua, SMKN 1 Kupang Regency, and SMKN 1 Sorong Regency.
Equipping Teachers with Industry-Relevant Fiber Optic Skills
As part of the initiative, teachers from the three schools participated in an intensive five-day training program covering fiber optic fundamentals, Integrated Optical Distribution Network (IODN) installation, access network deployment, fiber splicing techniques, and optical network testing and measurement.
Upon completion, participants received Basic Level Competency Certificates aligned with Level 3 of Indonesia's National Qualifications Framework (KKNI), enabling them to transfer practical knowledge and industry-standard skills to their students.
Beyond training and certification, Telkom Akses also established fully equipped Fiber Optic Practice Laboratories featuring simulation equipment such as Joint Closures, Optical Distribution Points (ODPs), utility poles with supporting accessories, and customer premises simulation boards.
Designed by the company's Fiber Academy, the laboratories were developed through cross-functional collaboration within Telkom Akses to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that reflect the needs of today's telecommunications industry.
Creating More Digital Talent Across Indonesia
Nizar said the Fiber Academy Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program represents a concrete effort to develop digital talent across Indonesia, particularly in regions where access to technical education remains limited.
"Through collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and vocational schools, industry can provide learning that is more closely aligned with workforce demands by offering practical facilities, enhancing teachers' competencies, and delivering professional certification. This creates greater opportunities for talented individuals from all regions to contribute to Indonesia's growing digital industry," he said.
The program is expected to benefit more than 1,400 students across the three participating vocational schools. In addition to gaining access to modern learning facilities, students will also have the opportunity to undertake internships of up to six months at nearby Telkom Automatic Telephone Exchange (STO) facilities.
Looking ahead, the newly established laboratories are expected to serve as long-term training centers for both teachers and students, strengthening vocational competencies in fiber optic network technologies while supporting Indonesia's digital transformation and promoting more equitable development across the archipelago.
Conclusion
By establishing Fiber Optic Laboratories in Indonesia's 3T regions, Telkom Akses is expanding access to industry-standard vocational education and strengthening the country's digital workforce. Through hands-on training, teacher certification, and modern learning facilities, the initiative aims to prepare more skilled professionals to support Indonesia's growing digital infrastructure and long-term digital transformation.
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