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The Director General of Public Information and Communication at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, Usman Kansong, confirmed that the telecommunications infrastructure for the 79th Independence Day celebration in Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara (IKN), East Kalimantan, is fully prepared and ready to ensure the event runs smoothly. This preparation underscores the government’s commitment to showcasing IKN as a symbol of Indonesia’s future, where technological advancement and connectivity are central to developing the new capital.
“Mobile operators have provided the necessary cellular network infrastructure at the IKN event site, both through permanent structures such as towers and camouflaged poles, as well as temporary infrastructure like mobile base transceiver stations (BTS),” Usman stated. The combination of permanent and temporary telecommunications structures reflects a strategic approach to meeting the Independence Day celebration’s immediate demands and laying the groundwork for long-term infrastructure that will serve the capital as it grows.
Usman further explained that measurements conducted by the Directorate General of Post and Informatics Operations (Ditjen PPI) indicate that network coverage around the ceremony location is sufficient to support the event. This assessment analyses the expected number of users, including government officials, security personnel, and guests. The reliability of these networks is not just a technical requirement; it is essential for ensuring that all aspects of the event, from security communications to live broadcasting, are executed without a hitch.
The Ministry of Communication and Informatics has worked closely with the IKN Authority and telecommunications providers to guarantee that internet and communication networks will operate seamlessly throughout the event. The deployment of fibre optic networks and robust cellular networks is part of a broader effort to support not only the celebration itself but also a variety of other critical activities.
For instance, the networks will facilitate the final stages of construction work, enabling real-time coordination among workers and ensuring that those working on-site can maintain communication with their families. Additionally, the networks will support essential administrative tasks within the Central Government Core Area (KIPP) of IKN, underscoring the importance of connectivity in all facets of the new capital’s operations.
Regarding digital security, the Ministry has taken significant steps to protect the telecommunications infrastructure from potential cyber threats. Coordination with the National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN) and the IKN Authority has been central to these efforts. Given the high-profile nature of the event, the protection of networks and data is of utmost importance.
Any disruption, whether from a cyberattack or technical failure, could have profound implications, not just for the event itself but for the perception of IKN as a secure and technologically advanced hub. Thus, the Ministry’s proactive stance on cybersecurity is critical to the overall preparations.
Usman also highlighted that continuous coordination with various government agencies is ongoing to maintain information security and communication during the event. The Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Kemenkopolhukam) has led these efforts, working in collaboration with key institutions such as BSSN, the National Police (Polri), the Indonesian Military (TNI), the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), and the Ministry of Communication and Informatics.
This multi-agency approach identifies and mitigates all potential physical or cyber risks. The planning and collaboration in these efforts reflect the government’s commitment to making the 79th Independence Day celebration a success and showcasing Indonesia’s capabilities in organising large-scale events in a secure and technologically advanced environment.
Through these comprehensive measures, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that the 79th Independence Day celebration at IKN is free from technological or information security issues. This approach highlights the government’s dedication to a smooth and successful event and illustrates a broader vision for IKN as a modern, technologically advanced government centre.