The Minister Of Communication And Information Technology Encourages The Private Sector To Develop Internet Connectivity In Areas Outside The 3T Regions

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The Minister Of Communication And Information Technology Encourages The Private Sector To Develop Internet Connectivity In Areas Outside The 3T Regions

Thursday, 06 Feb 2025

The Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, has urged private entities to contribute to the development of internet connectivity in regions classified as non-frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged (3T).

"There are non-3T areas that also lack signal coverage, and we encourage the private sector to assist the government in establishing connectivity there," Meutya stated during a working meeting with Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives at the DPR RI building in Jakarta on Tuesday.

She emphasized that the responsibility for developing connectivity should not rest solely with the government; the involvement of the private sector is also essential. While the government will continue to focus on areas categorized as 3T, it is important to encourage private companies to invest in non-3T regions that still lack internet access.

Meutya elaborated that substantial funding is required to meet the connectivity needs in both 3T and non-3T areas.

"If we do not address this, the budgetary requirements will be significant. We must cover our 3T areas as well as other regions," she remarked.

She indicated that her ministry is actively encouraging telecommunications operators to invest in internet infrastructure in underserved areas. Currently, there are no regulations mandating private companies to take such actions, so the approach remains one of persuasion.

Meutya is also open to input from various stakeholders, including the House of Representatives, which has a supervisory role, to report on areas lacking internet access.

This initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's push to accelerate digitalization across Indonesia.

"If there are indeed areas without internet connectivity, we can explore solutions through the BAKTI scheme or encourage the industry to develop connectivity there," she concluded.

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