Indonesia embarks on Digital Connectivity 2021 push

The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) has launched a number of digital connectivity programmes worth US$2.3billion contract to accelerate the infrastructure development, grow digital talent and leverage technology in the national vaccine movement.

“During the last five years, the government has worked hard to build our national connectivity. In addition to building sea tolls, railroad networks, toll road networks, construction of border roads, construction of airports, ports, we also build digital connectivity, aim to connect all corners of the archipelago through the sky toll.

“All of this is not for the sake of the economy alone, but also to accelerate our magnificent country's education, health and culture services, as well as to strengthen our unity and integrity as a great nation," said President Joko Widodo, at the commencement of the Digital Connectivity 2021 drive.

The programmes include:

• Base Transceiver Station (BTS)

A framework agreement of BTS 4G infrastructure Package 3, 4, and 5 was signed  to cover the Papua regions. Package 3 will be undertaken between a Lintasarta - Huawei – SEI consortium, while the auction winner of Package 4 and 5 is partnership of IBS – ZTE.

Packages 1 and 2 were earlier signed on January 29, 2021, with contract going to Fibrehome -Telkom Infra- Multi Trans Data the partnership.

• Satellite Capacity Provision

MCIT through The Indonesian Information and Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) also signed a contract after carrying out the process of procuring services to provide capacity for telecommunications satellites and Internet services in the context of digital transformation.

The appointed partners include PT Bis Data Indonesia, PT Dwi Tunggal Putra, PT Primacom Interbuana, PT Telkom Tbk, PT Indo Pratama Teleglobal, and PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara. 

Since 2015, the government has planned the construction of satellite telecommunication infrastructure facilities through the Government and Business Entity (PPP) project for Government Multifunction Satellite (SATRIA) which can accommodate the need for fast internet services in approximately 150,000 locations.