Mahfud MD: The Launch Of SATRIA-1 Has Nothing To Do With The 4G BTS Project

Plt. Minister of Communication and Information Mahfud MD (photo: Kominfo)

JAKARTA - On Monday, 19 June 2023, Satellite Republik Indonesia 1 or SATRIA 1 was officially launched using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral runway in Florida, USA at 18.21 local time or 05.21 a.m. Western Indnesian Time (WIB).

Plt. The Minister of Communication and Informatics (Menkominfo) Mahfud MD emphasized that the launch of Indonesia's first internet satellite was enabled to even out internet access in Indonesia.

"I want to emphasize, regarding the function of SATRIA 1. The function of SATRIA 1 is to equalize internet access, especially for the purposes of education, health, public services, for the community, for the National Military (TNI), for the National Police in all regions of the country, especially in disadvantaged and remote areas," Mahfud said in his statement via video.

Not only that, The Minister of Communication and Information Task Executor (Plt.) also emphasized that the SATRIA 1 launch project had absolutely nothing to do with the 4G Base Transceiver Station (BTS) case which is currently being handled by the authorities.

"I want to refute the opinion that says SATRIA 1 is useless. Because the network on earth cannot/is connected because of the BTS 4G case which is now being handled by the Attorney General's Office," he said.

Mahfud said the SATRIA 1 project is a separate project, which is not at all related to the BTS project, and is expected to provide internet access to public services in remote areas throughout Indonesia.

"Once again I emphasize that this has nothing to do with the 4G BTS case, because this is a separate project to provide public services in underdeveloped, foremost and remote areas," he concluded.