Jakarta, INTI - PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat), a subsidiary of PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, continues to strengthen its role in expanding digital connectivity across Indonesia, particularly in the eastern regions of the country.
The initiative is being carried out through the optimization of satellite services and the development of strategic infrastructure aimed at addressing internet access challenges in Indonesia’s underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions that remain underserved by terrestrial networks.
Telkomsat Expands Digital Connectivity in Eastern Indonesia
According to a 2025 survey by the Asosiasi Penyelenggara Jasa Internet Indonesia (APJII), national internet penetration has reached 80.66 percent. However, regional disparities remain significant.
In Maluku and Papua, internet penetration stands at only around 69.26 percent, highlighting the urgent need for connectivity solutions capable of reaching areas with limited terrestrial infrastructure.
To address these challenges, Telkomsat is strengthening its adaptive service portfolio to meet growing market demand. Telkomsat Commercial Director Andri Yunianto stated that Eastern Indonesia holds substantial growth potential as connectivity needs continue to rise across multiple sectors.
“Demand for connectivity services in Eastern Indonesia continues to show positive growth. Telkomsat sees this not only as an opportunity, but also as a responsibility to provide solutions that deliver reliable and sustainable connectivity,” Andri said in an official statement on Monday, May 4, 2026.
“Through the strengthening of services such as Internet Merah Putih and the development of infrastructure like the Community Gateway Wamena, Telkomsat is committed to accelerating digital access equality while creating new economic opportunities for local communities,” he added.
Satellite Broadband and Strategic Infrastructure Development
As part of this effort, Telkomsat introduced its flagship Internet Merah Putih service, a satellite-based broadband solution designed to accelerate digital transformation across sectors including government services, education, healthcare, and MSMEs.
The company also provides VSAT services and other connectivity solutions capable of delivering stable internet access to coastal regions, remote inland areas, and outer islands.
Equal access to communication and internet services remains a major challenge in Indonesia, especially in the eastern regions where geographical conditions include mountainous terrain, dense forests, and archipelagic landscapes.
Limited fiber optic networks and Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) have resulted in persistent blank spot areas, restricting access to digital services, information, and economic opportunities.
As part of its expansion strategy, Telkomsat is focusing heavily on Eastern Indonesia as a new growth engine. Infrastructure development includes the construction of the Community Gateway Wamena, which is projected to become a major satellite service distribution hub in Papua Highlands.
The facility is expected to improve service quality while expanding connectivity coverage in regions with limited infrastructure.
This initiative follows the earlier launch of the Community Gateway Merauke in December 2025, recognized as the first satellite gateway in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
The Merauke facility plays a strategic role in strengthening network resilience in Indonesia’s easternmost region through high-capacity, low-latency satellite access while serving as a distribution point for local connectivity networks.
The addition of the Wamena gateway complements the role of Merauke in building a stronger and more integrated connectivity ecosystem across Papua.
As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia relies heavily on satellite technology as a strategic solution for areas that cannot yet be optimally served by terrestrial infrastructure.
With its flexibility and wide coverage capabilities, satellite connectivity has become a critical backbone for remote regions. The technology supports various sectors, including digital learning in education, telemedicine-based healthcare services, digital government initiatives, and local economic activities.
“Going forward, Telkomsat will continue prioritizing operational efficiency and service diversification to strengthen business resilience. Supported by reliable satellite technology and strategic infrastructure development, Telkomsat remains optimistic about its role as a key enabler of inclusive digital transformation while opening new economic opportunities for communities across Indonesia, particularly in the eastern region,” Andri concluded.
Conclusion
PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia continues to strengthen its commitment to inclusive digital transformation by expanding satellite connectivity infrastructure across underserved regions in Eastern Indonesia. Through services such as Internet Merah Putih and the development of strategic satellite gateways in Papua, Telkomsat aims to bridge the digital divide, improve access to essential services, and create new economic opportunities for communities in remote areas.
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