Accelerating Equitable Development Through Digital Space

When the Republic of Indonesia Satellite (SATRIA)-1 began connecting tens of thousands of schools, community health centres, village offices, and various public services across Indonesia, it was not merely internet access that increased. What also changed was the way Indonesia expands equity.

If distance was once narrowed through roads, ports, airports, and electricity networks, now the opportunity to learn, obtain health services, develop businesses, and access public services is increasingly determined by digital connectivity.

This change has been taking place in earnest. As of early June 2026, SATRIA-1 serves 31,803 public service points throughout Indonesia. Data from the Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs shows that around 68 per cent of these are schools, particularly in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions.

The remainder includes government offices, health facilities, defence and security services, community activity centres, and places of worship. The data illustrates that digital connectivity has now evolved into a part of basic services that support education, health, and public service.

Infrastructure support is also being continuously strengthened. SATRIA-1 has a capacity of 150 gigabits per second (Gbps), making it one of the largest capacity internet satellites in Asia when it began operations.

Its presence complements the national fibre optic network and the construction of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) in various areas still facing limited telecommunications access. This step expands opportunities so that the benefits of digital transformation are not solely concentrated in large cities.

This development is also reflected in the national digital economy. The e-Conomy SEA report compiled by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company estimates the value of Indonesia’s digital economy to be approaching 100 billion US dollars in 2025, maintaining its position as the largest in Southeast Asia. The size of this potential is an important asset for Indonesia to drive more inclusive growth.

However, the sheer size of the digital economy is not the goal to be achieved. Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid emphasised that the success of digital transformation is not measured solely by the size of the digital economy or the speed of technology adoption, but by the extent to which its benefits are truly felt by the public.

It is here that digital development acquires its meaning. Its success does not stop at the number of networks installed or the high value of transactions, but on the widening access of the public to education, health services, public administration, and economic opportunities, without being overly constrained by geographical location.