Internet Equity Plan In Indonesia, Komdigi Will Involve Private Parties

Komdigi Meeting with the World Bank (photo: Komdigi)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, discussed the strategy of equalizing the internet with representatives of the World Bank. This discussion includes plans to optimize the frequency spectrum and involvement of the private sector in digital infrastructure development.

In a meeting with World Bank Senior Digital Development Specialist Jonathan Marskell in Jakarta, Meutya highlighted concrete steps to increase broadband penetration in remote areas and ensure more effective digital policies.

"We are committed to accelerating internet access evenly throughout Indonesia with optimal spectral policies and support from the private sector," said Meutya.

According to him, collaboration with the World Bank is an important part in designing the best strategy to achieve government goals in equitable internet access.

In this meeting, it was also discussed the strategy of utilizing the frequency spectrum of 700 MHz, 2.6 GHz, and 3.5 GHz to improve the quality of internet services. By adopting the best global practice, the government targets to increase network capacity more efficiently and inclusively.

Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, emphasized that equal distribution of digital infrastructure must be accompanied by targeted policies.

"In addition to infrastructure, increasing the capacity of human resources and more adaptive regulations is needed to support national digital transformation. We hope that this collaboration can accelerate the preparation of more accurate and data-based policies," he said.

World Bank's Senior Digital Development Specialist, Jonathan Marskell, said that India and the Philippines already have a public Wi-Fi hotspot program, where the government invests in the development of internet infrastructure in villages.

India, through the BharatNet program, has built about 250,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots, while the Philippines has also implemented similar policies in rural areas and places of worship.

This is a decision that must be taken by every government. Does the government fund directly, or does it provide incentives for the private sector to do so? Marskell said.

According to him, in the midst of budget efficiency conditions in Indonesia, it makes more sense for the government to open opportunities for the private sector to realize this.

As a follow-up, the Ministry of Communication and Trade and the World Bank will conduct an in-depth study of spectral policies and explore more effective digital investment models.