Jakarta, INTI - PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom), along with its operating company, PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat), inaugurated the Community Gateway at the Bumi Sedang Wamena Station in Jayawijaya Regency, Papua, on Friday, May 8.
This initiative represents TelkomGroup's efforts to strengthen and expand the distribution of digital infrastructure in challenging geographic areas in eastern Indonesia, while simultaneously strengthening national connectivity through the use of satellite technology.
The Community Gateway was inaugurated by the Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Angga Raka Prabowo, accompanied by the CEO of Telkom, Dian Siswarini, and the Acting CEO of Telkomsat, Rizal Ahmad Fauzi.
Developing Digital Infrastructure in Eastern Indonesia
Angga stated that the construction of the Community Gateway in Wamena is part of a national priority work program aimed at building inclusive digital infrastructure in the easternmost regions of Indonesia.
"The Wamena Community Gateway plays a crucial role in transforming geographical challenges into strategic opportunities. We are not only building infrastructure, but also strengthening the foundation for a truly connected Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke. The next task is to ensure this infrastructure is truly operational and utilized by all communities, especially in Highland Papua region," he said.
The Wamena Community Gateway is a solution to the limitations of terrestrial networks by increasing capacity, service quality, and the foundation for developing a digital economy in the region.
Previously, TelkomGroup, through Telkomsat, also built the Merauke Community Gateway as a backup link to ensure service continuity during terrestrial network disruptions.
Encouraging Economic and Social Activity in Highland Papua
Telkom President Director Dian Siswarini stated that the Wamena region and its surroundings play a strategic role as the center of economic and social activity in Highland Papua.
"From urban areas to Highland Papua, we want to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital transformation. However, this region also faces significant challenges in terms of connectivity, both due to limited terrestrial networks and challenging geographic conditions," said Dian.
Dr. Velix Wanggai, S.I.P., M.P.A., Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua, stated that the presence of the Wamena Community Gateway represents a major development milestone in the mountainous region of Papua.
Currently, network transport capacity in Wamena is around 7 Gbps, with a high utilization rate. Through the Wamena Community Gateway, this capacity can be gradually increased to reach its maximum potential of 40 Gbps.
Furthermore, the Wamena Community Gateway is designed as an open-access platform, meaning this infrastructure can be utilized not only by TelkomGroup but also by various operators, local ISPs, and other institutions, creating an inclusive and sustainable connectivity ecosystem.
Conclusion
PT Telkom Indonesia, along with Telkomsat, inaugurated the Community Gateway in Wamena, Highland Papua. This infrastructure serves as the main connectivity distribution center in Highland Papua and provides a solution to the limitations of terrestrial networks due to geographical challenges. The Wamena Community Gateway is designed as the main backbone of connectivity with a network capacity that can be increased from 7 Gbps to 40 Gbps. This infrastructure is also open access, so it can be utilized by other operators and local ISPs to support public services, education, health, and the development of the digital economy in Papua.
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