RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, said the government is shifting its approach to expanding national connectivity. Instead of relying solely on building more base transceiver stations (BTS), internet infrastructure will now be tailored to each region's geography, population size, and connectivity needs.

Under the new approach, the government will combine BTS, fiber-optic networks, satellites, and other technologies to expand internet access, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Nezar made the remarks while meeting with officials from the East Kalimantan Communications and Information Office at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

"We are mapping out priority areas. Places that cannot be effectively served by BTS may instead be connected through satellites or other telecommunications technologies," Nezar said.

According to him, the strategy is necessary because every region has different geographical and demographic characteristics. The government will determine the most suitable technology based on local conditions to ensure connectivity projects are more effective while reaching communities that have long lacked reliable internet access.

"East Kalimantan is among the provinces with the strongest connectivity, with 95.5 percent coverage. Of its 841 villages, 803 are already connected," he said.

Nezar noted that the government has identified 269 blank spot locations that remain a priority for connectivity expansion through collaboration between the central government, local administrations, the Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI), and telecommunications operators.

He stressed that budget constraints should not become an obstacle to expanding digital access nationwide. "Through stronger collaboration, we can support one another and provide connectivity to areas where it is most needed by the public," Nezar said.

Meanwhile, Ririn Sari Dewi, Head of the East Kalimantan Communications and Information Office, said the provincial government has adopted a technology-neutral approach by combining fiber-optic networks, Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) systems, and satellite services to provide internet access more efficiently.

"We are selecting the most suitable combination of technologies to ensure internet services can be delivered effectively to villages," she said. She added that accelerating digital connectivity requires continued support from the central government, including better data synchronization, stronger policy coordination, and closer collaboration among stakeholders.

"The key is collaboration. We hope to continue receiving the central government's full support, and we remain committed to advancing national programs, particularly internet connectivity," she said.