The Merdeka Signal Program continues to expand across Indonesia, beginning in 2015 during President Joko Widodo’s first term. This initiative aims to provide internet access to regions suffering from poor connectivity, bridging the digital divide across the archipelago.
Merdeka Signal Program Expanding Internet Access in 3T Regions
Towering between 42-72 meters, the USO BTS (Base Transceiver Station) in Aewora Village is just one of thousands scattered throughout Indonesia’s 3T regions (Terluar, Terpencil, Tertinggal — Outer, Remote, Underdeveloped areas). Since 2015, the government has prioritized these underserved areas to overcome communication barriers and bring connectivity to even the most isolated communities.
President Jokowi emphasized the importance of this initiative during the inauguration of a BTS in Talaud, North Sulawesi, in late 2023:
“We need connectivity to reach, to connect, from one island to another, one province to another, in order to strengthen the unity of the nation.”
Achieving the Goal of Nationwide Connectivity
The ambitious goal of providing universal internet access across Indonesia is steadily progressing. According to BAKTI Kominfo, by the end of 2023, internet access had reached 18,697 locations. Of these:
- 4,063 locations utilize Satria internet access.
- 14,634 locations use Non-Satria internet access.
The number of operational BTS has also grown significantly, with 7,283 BTS On Air across the country. Notably, 5,618 locations now feature 4G BTS, while 1,665 locations utilize USO BTS.
Internet Access, Merdeka Signal Across the Islands
The program’s impact extends to almost every major island in Indonesia:
- Sumatra: 4,527 internet access points
- Papua: 2,805 internet access points
- Kalimantan: 2,130 internet access points
- Sulawesi: 2,672 internet access points
- Java: 2,142 internet access points
- Maluku: 1,426 internet access points
- Bali-Nusa Tenggara: 2,995 internet access points
These efforts are designed not just for entertainment but also to support vital services in education, healthcare, governance, and community activities.
Serving Key Sectors Merdeka Signal with Internet Access
The deployment of internet access covers multiple essential areas:
- Education: 8,830 locations (47.2%)
- Government Offices: 5,228 locations (28%)
- Healthcare: 2,614 locations (14%)
- Community Centers: 736 locations (3.9%)
- Places of Worship: 665 locations (3.6%)
- Defense and Security: 334 locations (1.8%)
- Tourist Sites: 137 locations (0.7%)
- Business Services: 115 locations (0.6%)
- Public Transportation: 38 locations (0.2%)
SATRIA: Reaching New Heights in Digital Connectivity
Indonesia’s quest for digital connectivity extends beyond land-based solutions. The SATRIA (Satelit Republik Indonesia) initiative, launched in 2019, aims to further close the digital gap. Built by Thales Alenia Space in collaboration with PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN) and BAKTI Kominfo, SATRIA uses High Throughput Satellite (HTS) technology, offering a capacity of 150 Gbps.
With the help of a SpaceX rocket, SATRIA began its journey on June 16, 2023, launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA, and now orbits over Indonesian territory.
SATRIA’s Impact on Key Sectors
SATRIA’s coverage reaches an estimated 150,000 internet access points, including:
- 93,900 school and Islamic boarding school points
- 3,700 health centers and facilities
- 3,900 community security service points
The satellite also provides connectivity to 47,900 village, sub-district, and district offices, supporting electronic-based government services (SPBE) and enhancing public service delivery.
A Brighter Digital Future for Indonesia
With Merdeka Signal Program the launch of SATRIA-1, the Indonesian government aims to provide internet access to approximately 45 million citizens who currently lack connectivity. This initiative represents a significant step toward realizing the vision of a fully connected Indonesia, enhancing economic growth, education, healthcare, and governance across the nation.
