Jakarta, INTI - The role of satellites in the telecommunications ecosystem is expected to change with the advent of 6G technology. While satellites have previously been seen as merely a complement to terrestrial networks, they will become a key component of connectivity infrastructure in the future.
Eko Dono Indarto, Deputy for Communication and Information Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs, stated that this paradigm needs to change because the 6G network will adopt Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN).
According to Eko, the NTN will integrate various technologies, such as fiber optic, cellular network, Wi-Fi, satellites, High Altitude Platforms (HAP), cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI). With this system, telecommunications devices will no longer be solely connected to base transceiver stations (BTS) but will also be able to communicate directly with satellites.
"This is the direction of future digital telecommunications development," said Eko at the Mastel Seminar and Workshop in Jakarta on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
He added that satellites play a crucial role for Indonesia, an archipelagic nation with a vast territory. Therefore, satellites are no longer just an alternative, but a strategic necessity to ensure connectivity throughout the region.
"These geographic and demographic conditions make satellites not just an option, but a strategic necessity for all of us living in Indonesia," he said.
6G Network Development in Other Countries
Meanwhile, Yishen Chan, Director of Spectrum Policy & Regulatory Affairs (APAC) at Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), stated that the initial implementation of 6G networks is expected to begin in 2030 in several countries. However, adoption in Indonesia is expected to be slower than in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and several European countries.
According to GSMA, 6G technology is expected to be used by more than five billion people by 2040. However, 4G networks will remain operational for some time as they remain the most widely used cellular technology today.
"6G is expected to surpass 5G, while 4G will still be around for some time as it is the most common technology today. However, we predict 6G will become a mainstream technology in the second half of the next decade," said Yishen Chan.
Conclusion
The government believes that the role of satellites will shift from being merely complementary to becoming a key part of the telecommunications ecosystem with the arrival of the 6G network, which will adopt the Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN). This system will integrate terrestrial networks with fiber optic, cellular network, Wi-Fi, satellites, High Altitude Platforms (HAP), cloud computing, and AI. GSMA estimates that initial implementation of 6G will begin in 2030 in several countries, while Indonesia is likely to adopt it later. By 2040, 6G technology is projected to be used by more than five billion people and become a mainstream technology in the second half of the next decade.
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