Jakarta, INTI - Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria stated that the government is shifting its paradigm regarding national connectivity development.
Achieving equitable internet access no longer relies solely on the construction of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS). Instead, solutions are also tailored to the geographical conditions, population size, and specific needs of each region.
Through this approach, the government will integrate BTS, fiber optics, satellites, and other network infrastructure technologies to extend internet services to more people, including those in areas with challenging terrain.
"We are mapping out priorities. Areas that might be inaccessible via BTS could potentially be served by satellites or other telecommunications network modes," said Nezar during a meeting with the East Kalimantan Province's Department of Communication and Informatics on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Every Region has Different Geographical Characteristics
According to Nezar, this approach is necessary because every region possesses unique characteristics.
The government will determine the most appropriate technology based on on-the-ground conditions, making connectivity development more effective while reaching areas that have historically struggled to gain internet access.
"East Kalimantan Province is among the top performers regarding connectivity, with a 95.5 percent coverage rate. Out of 841 villages, 803 are already covered," he highlighted.
Stakeholders Synergy with the Industry
Nezar added that the government has identified 269 blank spot locations requiring priority attention, which will be addressed through synergy between the central government, regional governments, BAKTI (Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency), and telecommunications operators.
He emphasized that budget constraints must not hinder the equitable distribution of digital access. Therefore, collaboration is key to accelerating connectivity development in areas still experiencing signal dead zones or weak signals.
"Through this synergy, we can reinforce one another and provide connectivity in specific locations where the community truly needs it," he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the East Kalimantan Province's Department of Communication and Informatics, Ririn Sari Dewi, explained that the provincial government is implementing a development approach that combines various technologies, like fiber optics, VSAT, and satellites, based on regional conditions to ensure more effective internet service delivery.
"We select the most suitable combination of technologies to ensure effectiveness when delivering internet access services to villages," she said.
Ririn added that accelerating the equitable distribution of connectivity requires sustained support from the central government, including in data synchronization, policy strengthening, and cross-stakeholder collaboration.
Conclusion
Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is shifting its national connectivity development strategy, moving away from relying solely on Base Transceiver Station (BTS) construction as the primary solution for ensuring equitable internet access. Nezar Patria said that technology selection will be tailored to the specific geographical conditions, population size, and needs of each region, and will integrate the use of BTS, fiber optics, satellite, and other telecommunications technologies.
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