Govt seeks to reduce digital divide by bolstering telecom networks

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is continuing to reduce the digital divide by bolstering and building evenly distributed telecommunication networks to boost digitalization.

Despite challenges in the quality of telecommunication networks in several areas, 97 percent of the residential areas are currently connected to telecommunication networks.

"Internet penetration has reached 80 percent. We can say that because the latest APJII (Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association) data in 2024 showed 79.5 percent," Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria noted in a statement received from his ministry on Friday.

However, he underscored that the digital divide remains a challenge as not all areas have good quality telecommunication services.

Patria expressed optimism that the challenge can be solved through a signal-strengthening program and by increasing network capacity.

He said the government will increase internet speeds in Indonesia to reach 100 Mbps from the previous 27 Mbps.

According to the deputy minister, implementing the program will put Indonesia one step ahead of other ASEAN countries.

"There will be an enhancement program for regions with weak frequency or signal," he affirmed.

He further underscored the need to improve the quality of connectivity so that the adoption of the latest technologies, such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), is more equitable.

The deputy minister also explained that the adoption of IoT will be closely related to artificial intelligence (AI). IoT is also useful for detecting containers or ships entering ports.

According to Patria, digitalization in various sectors today will run faster when supported by the right telecommunications infrastructure.

Patria emphasized that meaningful connectivity will have a broad impact on social and economic aspects.

"This is a big challenge that will be the main program of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs going forward," he remarked.