Andre Rosiade Inaugurates First Telkomsel BTS in Talawi Mudiak
The commitment of the Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the Gerindra Faction, Andre Rosiade, to expanding telecommunications access in Sawahlunto City has resulted in concrete development. A Telkomsel Base Transceiver Station (BTS) has been established as the first of its kind in Talawi Mudiak Village, Talawi District, Sawahlunto City.
The BTS was inaugurated on Saturday, 19 September 2026. The construction of this tower is part of the realisation of telecommunications infrastructure proposals championed by Andre Rosiade for Sawahlunto. The initial proposal for four BTS towers has reportedly expanded to five or even six towers now standing in Sawahlunto City.
“This is concrete proof of Mr Andre Rosiability’s commitment to the development of Sawahlunto City. We remember during our campaign period, we submitted a proposal for four BTS towers for Sawahlunto,” said Riyanda in a statement.
“Alhamdulillah, within approximately one and a half years of our term as regional heads, there are now five or even six BTS towers established in Sawahlunto City today,” he added.
The Talawi Mudiak BTS was inaugurated by Andre Rosiade alongside the Mayor of Sawahlunto, Riyanda Putra, Vice Mayor Jeffry Hibatullah, local government officials, district heads, village heads, and representatives from Telkomsel. This infrastructure serves as the first BTS built in Talawi Mudiak Village and is expected to open communication and internet access for the community.
Andre Rosiade stated that the equal distribution of telecommunications networks is a vital part of basic infrastructure development that must be felt by the community, even at the village level. He noted that the demand for communication and internet networks is increasing as it directly relates to education, employment, public services, and economic activities.
“When we talk about development, it is not just about roads and bridges. Communication access is also essential infrastructure that must be accessible to the community, including those in areas that have previously faced limited telecommunications coverage,” said Andre, who also serves as the General Chairperson of the Indonesian Minang Family Association (IKM).
Following the inauguration of the Talawi Mudiak BTS, Andre and Mayor Riyanda Putra immediately submitted a request for additional Telkomsel BTS towers for the central area of Sawahlunto City. This request was conveyed via a video call addressed to the President Director of Telkomsel, Nugroho.
In the video, both leaders requested Telkomsel’s support to further expand BTS infrastructure in Sawahlunto, particularly in the city centre. They hope that strengthening the network will better support community communication needs, government activities, education, and economic activities.
The Head of Talawi Mudiak Village, Syamsir, expressed his appreciation for the realisation of the BTS. He noted that this infrastructure is the first to arrive in his village and is highly needed by the residents.
“Alhamdulillah, with the presence of this tower in our village, it is the first of its kind here. This is very helpful for us, especially for work and other matters,” said Syroll.
According to Syamsir, the construction of the BTS is the result of synergy between the village government, the district government, the Sawahlunto City Government, and Andre Rosiade. He hopes the community will help maintain the facility so it can be utilised in the long term.
“Students now need signals for their studies. Office workers also need signals. Alhamdulillah, there is an MTsN (Islamic Junior High School), primary schools, and special education schools (SLB) in this village,” he added.
In addition to discussing the BTS construction, Andre also shared several development updates for Sawahlunto, including plans for the development of the Sawahlunto Old Town area.
Andre also announced plans for the reactivation of the railway line in West Sumatra. The line is expected to reconnect Padang, Padang Panjang, Solok, and Sawahlunto, thereby reopening connectivity for both passenger and freight transport.
“It can transport goods, but also people, directly. We will run trains from Padang,” he said.
According to Andre, strengthening connectivity is a crucial component in driving economic activity and opening access between regions. Therefore, the development of telecommunications and transportation must continue to progress in tandem.
The construction of the Talawi Mudiak BTS is part of the ongoing efforts to equalise connectivity led by Andre in West Sumatra. A day earlier, he inaugurated another Telkomsel BTS in Jorong Rawang, Nagari Sulit Air, Solok Regency.
Meanwhile, Telkomsel’s Manager of Network Operations for Padang, Andy Suhatril, stated that Telkomsel continues to support the equalisation of telecommunications access across various regions, including areas that previously had limited coverage.
“We hope the presence of this BTS can be utilised effectively by the community. We also hope the community works together to maintain this facility so it can continue to provide benefits in the long term,” said Andy.