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

Satellites will no longer be viewed merely as a complement to terrestrial networks in the upcoming 6G era, according to a senior official from Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi). Eko Dono Indarto, Deputy for Communication and Information at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, stated that the paradigm must shift as the world moves toward next-generation connectivity. “Often, satellites are positioned as a complement to terrestrial networks. This paradigm needs to change,” he said during a Mastel seminar in Jakarta on Thursday. He explained that the 6G network will integrate various technologies, including fiber optics, cellular networks, Wi-Fi, satellites, High Altitude Platforms (HAP), cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. This integration will allow devices to connect directly to satellites, bypassing the need for traditional Base Transceiver Stations (BTS). Indarto emphasized that satellite technology is not just an option but a strategic necessity for Indonesia, given its vast archipelago and dispersed population. “The geographical and demographic conditions make satellites not just a choice, but a strategic need for all of us living in Indonesia,” he said. At the same event, Yishen Chan, Director of Spectrum Policy & Regulatory Affairs (APAC) for GSMA, noted that the commercial launch of 6G is expected to begin around 2030, though initially only in select countries. He suggested that Indonesia’s adoption might lag slightly behind pioneers such as China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Europe. GSMA forecasts that 6G will surpass 5 billion users by 2040, eventually becoming the mainstream technology in the latter half of the next decade.