Indonesia Calls on Private Sector to Bridge internet Connectivity Gaps
In a bid to accelerate digital transformation across the nation, Indonesia’s Minister of Dialog and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, has urged the private sector to play a pivotal role in expanding internet connectivity to remote, underdeveloped, and non-frontier areas. This call to action was made during a meeting wiht Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta on tuesday.
Hafid emphasized that the growth of connectivity is not solely the government’s responsibility. “The private sector must also step up,” she stated. While the government continues to prioritize areas categorized as 3T (remote, frontier, and outermost regions), non-3T areas lacking internet access are now being targeted for private sector involvement.
The minister highlighted the financial challenges of this endeavor, noting that a “very large budget” is required to meet connectivity needs across both 3T and non-3T areas. to address this, her ministry is actively encouraging telecommunications operators to invest in building internet infrastructure in underserved regions.Currently, there are no regulations mandating private companies to take such steps. rather,the government is relying on persuasive measures to incentivize participation. “The approach taken by the government is still in the nature of encouragement,” Hafid explained.
She also welcomed input from various stakeholders, including the DPR, which plays a supervisory role in identifying areas still without internet access. This initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s vision to fast-track digitalization across Indonesia.
“If there are still areas that do not yet have access to the Internet, we can try to support through the BAKTI (telecommunications Accessibility Agency) scheme or we can encourage companies to build connectivity there,” Hafid added.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Focus Areas | 3T (remote, frontier, outermost) and non-3T regions |
| Private Sector Role | Encouraged to build internet infrastructure in underserved areas |
| Government Approach | Persuasive encouragement, no regulatory mandates |
| Financial Challenge | Large budget required for nationwide connectivity |
| Support mechanisms | BAKTI scheme and private sector involvement |
This collaborative effort underscores Indonesia’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to the internet for all citizens. As the nation moves forward,the synergy between government initiatives and private sector investments will be crucial in achieving this goal.
For more insights on Indonesia’s digital transformation efforts, explore how the government is committed to digital village internet connectivity and how cellular operators are being asked to help boost internet networks.
