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The Nusantara Capital City (IKN) development in East Kalimantan is progressing with a primary focus on digital transformation. To realise this vision, the Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kemenkominfo) has taken strategic steps to maximise the utilisation of the Palapa Ring Central network and support IKN’s connectivity needs.
The Palapa Ring Central is an integral part of the backbone network, serving as vital digital infrastructure for East Kalimantan, the location of IKN. This infrastructure, managed by BAKTI Kemenkominfo, covers crucial areas around IKN, ensuring reliable and sustainable connectivity.
The latest data from BAKTI Kominfo up to 2024 shows that 43% of the Palapa Ring Central network is utilised, with 14 tenants using it to serve 24 cities and regions. In addition to East Kalimantan, Palapa Ring Central’s coverage also includes the provinces of North Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, and Maluku.
To support connectivity in East Kalimantan, BAKTI Kominfo coordinates with the Directorate General of Postal and Informatics Operations (Ditjen PPI) of Kemenkominfo. Discussions are necessary to determine if additional infrastructure needs to be built in areas still considered blank spots or lacking internet connectivity.
“Discussions with our technical supervisors, Ditjen PPI, are crucial because some providers might have commitments to build in those areas, requiring remapping,” Tri explained.
Digital transformation in IKN is not only about providing telecommunication infrastructure but also involves utilising digital technology to support various sectors such as education, health, and public services. Implementing advanced technological solutions like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and big data will enhance IKN’s operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Moreover, developing human resources in the technology field is also a key focus. Local residents will receive training and education in information and communication technology (ICT) to ensure they are prepared to participate in IKN’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem.
As part of these efforts, BAKTI Kemenkominfo is also gradually migrating the Internet Access programme, BAKTI AKSI, to the Indonesian Satellite Republic-1 (SATRIA-1) service in 2024. This migration aims to maximise the efficiency of digital infrastructure provision.
The Acting Director of Resources and Administration of BAKTI Kominfo, Tri Haryanto, explained that the migrated internet access uses Ka-Band satellite technology under a leasing scheme. “Now that we have substantial capacity from the Ka-Band satellite (SATRIA-1), we are shifting to the Ka-Band,” Tri said. Ka-band encompasses frequencies between 27 GHz and 40 GHz.
BAKTI AKSI has provided information access in remote, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas using various technologies, including fibre optic cables, wireless microwave links, and Ku-Band satellites. However, the leasing scheme for Ku-Band satellites incurs significant costs. With the introduction of SATRIA-1, which has a large capacity of 150 Gbps and is managed directly by BAKTI Kominfo without additional fees, the migration of BAKTI AKSI internet access to SATRIA-1 is being carried out to make digital infrastructure provision more efficient.
BAKTI AKSI is available in 18,697 locations in 3T and border areas, and 4,063 locations will be migrated to the SATRIA-1 service in 2024.
SATRIA-1, launched in Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA, in 2023, is the largest satellite in Asia with a service capacity of 150 Gbps and Very High Throughput Satellite (VHTS) technology. SATRIA-1 is Indonesia’s first Ka-band satellite and has already begun operations, providing services at 37,000 public facility points, including health facilities, educational institutions, government offices, and security offices in border areas.
With ongoing innovation and digital infrastructure development, constructing the Nusantara Capital City in East Kalimantan is expected to be a successful example of digital transformation, driving sustainable economic growth in Indonesia.
