Jakarta, INTI - PT Telkom Indonesia is accelerating efforts to distribute artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure across Indonesia, including Surabaya, Solo, and Manado, to ensure that national digital economic growth is not concentrated solely in Jakarta and Batam.

The initiative forms part of Telkom’s strategy to expand Indonesia’s digital technology ecosystem, enabling more regions to benefit from AI advancements and use them to support economic activities.

Telkom Indonesia Network Director Budi Satria Dharma Purba outlined the strategy at Bali Tech Week, held in Sanur, Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Budi emphasized that digital infrastructure development must be distributed more evenly so that the benefits of digital economic growth can reach communities across Indonesia.

“If we want to create a tangible impact on Indonesia’s digital economy, development must be distributed,” Budi said.

He explained that equitable AI infrastructure development requires reliable connectivity networks, sufficient energy supplies, and technology implementations tailored to the needs of individual regions.

Telkom Aims to Move Beyond Being an Alternative Data Center Hub for Singapore

Budi explained that data center development in Batam represents a significant business opportunity for Telkom, given the island’s strategic geographical proximity to Singapore.

Batam’s location creates opportunities to develop data center facilities and digital services that serve regional market demand.

However, Telkom does not want Indonesia’s digital infrastructure development to position the country merely as an alternative location for accommodating Singapore’s data center requirements.

According to Budi, business opportunities in Batam’s data center industry should be complemented by infrastructure development in other regions, ensuring that the economic benefits extend beyond a limited number of locations.

A distributed AI ecosystem is considered important for generating broader digital economic growth across Indonesia.

Consequently, Telkom continues to explore opportunities to develop communications networks and supporting infrastructure beyond the areas that have traditionally served as the country’s primary digital industry hubs.

Surabaya, Solo, and Manado Targeted for Digital Infrastructure Expansion

As part of its efforts to promote more balanced digital infrastructure development, Telkom sees opportunities to expand connectivity in several Indonesian cities.

Budi identified Surabaya in East Java as one of the regions requiring attention in the development of national connectivity and digital ecosystems.

Telkom also sees potential for infrastructure expansion in Solo, also known as Surakarta, in Central Java, and Manado in North Sulawesi.

These three cities represent potential growth areas for technology infrastructure development beyond Jakarta and Batam.

Expanding connectivity in Surabaya, Solo, and Manado is expected to create new opportunities for digital economic activities in their respective regions.

With adequate connectivity, businesses and other sectors will have greater opportunities to adopt digital services and implement AI technologies according to their needs.

Telkom views domestic network expansion as a crucial component of building a technology ecosystem that can serve industries, government institutions, and communities.

Telkom Strengthens Connectivity Between Batam, Singapore, and Malaysia

Alongside domestic network expansion, Telkom is continuing to strengthen international connectivity to support cross-border digital services.

One of its priorities is improving digital network connections between Batam, Singapore, Johor in Malaysia, and other international markets.

Cross-border connectivity development is part of Telkom’s efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s position within the regional and global digital ecosystem.

Such infrastructure is needed to support the growing data center industry, cross-border data exchange, and increasingly interconnected digital services.

Despite its continued international network expansion, Telkom maintains that domestic infrastructure development remains essential to ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy reach more regions across Indonesia.

The company expects domestic and international connectivity initiatives to complement each other, strengthening national networks while improving Indonesia’s connections with international markets.

AI Development Requires Energy and Practical Applications

Budi noted that building a national AI ecosystem requires more than data centers and high-capacity telecommunications networks.

It also depends on adequate energy supplies and practical AI applications that address the real needs of different sectors.

Energy availability is a critical factor in supporting digital infrastructure operations, including data centers and AI-powered services.

Technology adoption must also focus on the needs of industries, government agencies, and local communities.

“Connectivity is important, and energy is important, but we also need to look at practical applications that can help the digital economy,” Budi said.

His remarks highlight Telkom’s view that connectivity, energy, and practical technology adoption are interconnected elements in developing Indonesia’s national AI ecosystem.

Digital infrastructure development across multiple regions is expected not only to expand network capacity but also to create opportunities for technology to support economic activities and public services.

Telkom hopes that more evenly distributed AI infrastructure will stimulate digital economic growth beyond Jakarta and Batam.

By strengthening domestic and international connectivity, the company aims to broaden access to technology and create more equitable opportunities for industries, government institutions, and communities across Indonesia to benefit from AI.

Conclusion 

Telkom Indonesia is pursuing a more geographically balanced digital economy by expanding AI infrastructure and connectivity to Surabaya, Solo, and Manado. The strategy combines domestic network development, international connectivity, reliable energy supplies, and practical AI applications to extend digital opportunities beyond established hubs such as Jakarta and Batam.

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