6G Internet Era Approaches, Indonesia's Komdigi Assesses National Readiness

Satellites have often been positioned as a supplement to terrestrial networks. That view is set to change in the future, as 6G begins to roll out.

“Satellites have often been positioned as a complement to terrestrial networks. That paradigm needs to change now,” said Eko Dono Indarto, Deputy for Communication and Information Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs, at a Mastel seminar and workshop in Jakarta on Thursday (9/7/2026).

He said the 6G network will bring Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). This system will integrate fibre optics, cellular networks, Wi-Fi, satellites, High Altitude Platforms (HAP), cloud computing and AI.

As a result, telecommunications devices will no longer be connected only to base transceiver stations as they are today, but will also be able to connect directly to satellites.

“This is the direction in which digital telecommunications will develop,” he explained.

Satellites are also vital for Indonesia, given that much of the population is spread across a vast territory containing thousands of islands. According to him, satellites are not merely an option but a strategic necessity.

“These geographical and demographic conditions mean satellites are not just an option, but a strategic necessity for all of us living in Indonesia,” said Eko.

At the same event, Yishen Chan, Director of Spectrum Policy & Regulatory Affairs (APAC) at the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), said 6G will begin to be launched in 2030, though only in a handful of countries.

According to him, Indonesia will take somewhat longer. Countries likely to launch 6G networks first include China, Japan, South America, Europe and South Korea.

His presentation noted that 6G networks will be used by more than 5 billion people by 2040.

“6G is expected to surpass 5G, while 4G will remain in place for some time as it is currently the most common technology. However, we expect 6G to become the mainstream technology in the second half of the coming decade,” said Chan.