Jakarta, INTI - PT Dayamitra Telekomunikasi Tbk (Mitratel) and AALTO HAPS Limited (AALTO), a subsidiary of Airbus, have officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance the development of Stratospace technology and telecommunications infrastructure in Indonesia. The signing took place during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona on Monday, March 2, 2026.
The agreement highlights both companies’ commitment to delivering innovative, reliable, and sustainable connectivity solutions across Indonesia.
Under the partnership, AALTO will serve as the Stratospace connectivity service provider as well as the Stratocraft operator, responsible for the deployment, operation, and management of High Altitude Platform System (HAPS)-based solutions. Meanwhile, Mitratel, a telecommunications tower infrastructure provider and operating company of PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, will support the initiative by providing and managing the required tower infrastructure.
The collaboration will be implemented in accordance with good corporate governance (GCG) principles while fully complying with all applicable laws and regulations in Indonesia and other relevant jurisdictions. Both parties will also ensure that all necessary permits, approvals, and documentation from government institutions and related authorities are obtained in line with prevailing regulations.
Expanding Connectivity Access Across Indonesia
Seno Soemadji, Director of Strategic Business Development & Portfolio at Telkom, stated that the initiative forms part of TelkomGroup’s strategy to prepare next-generation infrastructure that complements existing terrestrial networks.
According to him, HAPS technology has strong potential to address connectivity challenges in Indonesia’s 3T regions (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost areas), aligning with the government’s priorities and the public’s basic need for equitable access to digital connectivity.
“In addition, this solution can also be utilized in disaster situations when terrestrial infrastructure is disrupted, enabling faster and more effective service recovery,” said Seno.
He added that TelkomGroup supports the continuation of the initiative through comprehensive testing and feasibility studies to ensure the readiness of its implementation.
“Every stage of technology adoption will be carried out prudently, prioritizing strong governance and compliance with all applicable regulations, so that it can deliver long-term value for the national digital ecosystem,” he added.
The expansion of this partnership marks a continuation of the understanding established since 2023. The potential collaboration between the two companies will continue to be assessed through comprehensive studies covering business, financial, technical, operational, commercial, legal, and regulatory aspects to ensure accountable planning and implementation.
Mitratel CEO Theodorus Ardi Hartoko emphasized that the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s digital infrastructure ecosystem. He noted that the synergy between tower infrastructure and HAPS technology is expected to enhance service quality, expand coverage, and reinforce the resilience of the national telecommunications system.
“This agreement provides a stronger foundation for both parties to develop a measurable and long-term implementation roadmap,” said Theodorus.
Meanwhile, AALTO CEO Hughes Boulnois stated that the enhanced collaboration comes amid growing commercial momentum for Stratospace technology. He explained that Zephyr’s capability to deliver direct-to-device connectivity opens opportunities to reach areas with limited access while improving overall network reliability.
“Asia-Pacific is a strategic region for AALTO’s growth and an important part of the evolution of global connectivity,” he said.
With the extension of the MoU until October 2027, both companies will continue evaluating and refining the potential integration of HAPS technology with telecommunications infrastructure as part of their shared commitment to expanding connectivity access and accelerating Indonesia’s digital transformation.
Conclusion
The extended partnership between Mitratel and AALTO highlights a strategic effort to integrate advanced stratospheric connectivity technology with Indonesia’s existing telecommunications infrastructure. By combining HAPS platforms with tower networks, the collaboration aims to broaden connectivity coverage, strengthen network resilience, and support the country’s long-term digital transformation agenda.
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