RRI.CO.ID, Samarinda - Residents of Mahakam Ulu, the youngest regency in East Kalimantan, are now officially connected to the digital world as the provincial administration completes its "Gratispol Internet Desa" (Free Village Internet) infrastructure project.

As reported by Antara, this milestone ensures that all 50 villages in the remote regency are equipped with free internet access. The initiative successfully overcomes geographical barriers in one of Indonesia’s most challenging frontier regions.

The achievement marks a significant step in the vision of Governor Rudy Mas’ud and Deputy Governor Seno Aji to eliminate the digital divide across the province's Frontier, Outermost, and Underdeveloped (3T) areas.

Muhammad Faisal, Head of the East Kalimantan Communication and Informatics Agency, confirmed the completion during an audience with the Mahakam Ulu Regional Representatives Council (DPRD) on Friday, January 23, 2026.

He explained that telecommunications authority shifted to the central government in 2018. Despite this change, the provincial administration felt compelled to intervene to meet the urgent needs of rural residents.

"Since 2018, telecommunications authority has resided with the central government, yet the East Kalimantan Provincial Administration continues to take concrete steps through the Governor's policy to assist the community's needs in the regencies," said Faisal.

The project addresses a critical gap in the market where commercial providers often find it unprofitable to invest due to low population density. By December 2025, the province successfully installed internet facilities in 802 out of 841 villages province-wide.

In Mahakam Ulu specifically, the rollout utilized a combination of fiber optic and satellite technology to ensure total coverage. "Specifically for Mahakam Ulu, all 50 villages are now served, utilizing both fiber optic and satellite technologies," added Faisal.

He noted that access points are centralized at village offices to prioritize public services while remaining open for community use after business hours.

While the physical infrastructure is now in place, local representatives have highlighted the need for consistent maintenance and stability. Martin Hat, Mahakam Ulu DPRD Commission I Speaker, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, but raised concerns regarding service reliability in the field.

"The Internet is now the heart of citizen activity. Even though it is installed, we still receive reports of network disruptions or unstable connections at several points. This is an important note for the program's sustainability," remarked Martin.

Moving forward, the provincial administration aims to pair this technical connectivity with enhanced digital literacy programs. This effort is intended to ensure the internet serves as a catalyst for local economic and social growth.

The ongoing dialogue between provincial and regional authorities is expected to solidify a sustainable framework for the border region’s digital landscape. This collaboration aims to ensure that the internet remains a reliable utility for those living in Mahakam Ulu's most isolated reaches. ***