Govt Expands Internet Access to Boost Connectivity in East Flores

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The BAKTI Komdigi internet service program has significantly accelerated digital infrastructure development in East Flores, helping to overcome long‑standing connectivity challenges in the region’s hilly archipelago.

BAKTI Internet is a free internet access program provided by the Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) under the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi).

The program delivers connectivity to more than 31,000 public facilities, particularly in frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped (3T) regions, using the Satria‑1 satellite and the Palapa Ring network.

Head of the East Flores Communication and Informatics Agency, Silvester Suban Toa Kabelen, expressed strong appreciation for the program’s impact.

He said the region’s extreme geography -- mountainous islands with steep terrain --had long made telecommunications development difficult, leaving local administrations frequently hampered by limited internet access.

BAKTI Base Transceiver Station (BTS) towers have now improved communication connectivity across East Flores. “The BAKTI internet network speeds up government report data transmission,” Silvester said at the BAKTI Media Connection event in Jakarta on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

In the past, some villagers had to climb tall trees or walk to high hills just to obtain a mobile phone signal. The presence of hundreds of free BAKTI internet access points has transformed communication patterns for the entire community, reaching even the most remote villages.

The benefits are also felt in the education sector. Konrardus Kudarto of state-run high school SMAN 1 Titehena said the availability of internet access has greatly supported students’ learning activities. “Previously, our school faced immense difficulties when conducting computer‑based national assessments,” he said.

With stable connectivity, school examinations now run smoothly. The SMAN 1 Titehena building even served as an evacuation center during the recent eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki‑laki. “The availability of the BAKTI internet network greatly helped displaced residents, especially in communicating with their families,” he said.

All school administrative processes and teacher competency tests are now conducted online without connectivity issues. Konrardus hopes the quality and capacity of the BAKTI network will continue to improve to support education in the region.

In the health sector, Head of the Ilebura Community Health Center (Puskesmas), Yohanes Noda Kwuta, emphasized that internet access has greatly improved medical administrative services. Health data reporting systems now rely on integrated digital applications that require fast and stable connectivity.

“Everything from patient registration to reporting on stunting management programs has become more efficient and well‑structured,” he said. Emergency patient referrals between health facilities can now be executed quickly through the Integrated Referral System application.

Previously, referral processes were often hindered by limited communication channels, posing risks to patients. Located near Mount Lewotobi, the Ilebura Puskesmas relies heavily on internet access during emergencies. Yohanes added that connectivity also accelerates coordination for treating natural disaster victims.

Strong synergy between BAKTI, the East Flores Regency Administration, and telecommunications service providers continues to be strengthened to ensure equitable digital access. The local administration is committed to maintaining communication infrastructure in every village and expanding coverage to remote areas that still lack optimal access.

Silvester Suban Toa Kabelen believes equitable digital access will sustainably boost economic growth for rural communities. The successful implementation of the BAKTI program in East Flores stands as concrete proof of the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access to information. (Misni Parjiati)