Andre Rosiade Inaugurates Telkomsel BTS in Garabak Data, Solok
Deputy Chairman of House of Representatives Commission VI, Andre Rosiade, officially inaugurated the operation of a Telkomsel Base Transceiver Station (BTS) in Nagari Garabak Data, Tigo Lurah District, Solok Regency. The inauguration marks the end of blank spot status in an area long known as a village without signal and without paved roads, one of the designated disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas in West Sumatra.
Andre was accompanied by Solok Regent Jon Firman Pandu, Telkomsel Padang Network Operation Productivity Manager Andy Suapril, Head of the West Sumatra National Road Management Unit (BPJN) Masudi, Chairman of the Gerindra Faction in Solok Regional Parliament Hafni Haviz, and a number of local officials and community leaders.
The Telkomsel BTS in Garabak Data represents a concrete step towards equitable digital access in disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost regions. For years, residents of the village had no adequate telecommunications network. As a result, emergency communications, online education, healthcare services, and community economic activities were severely limited.
Andre expressed his appreciation to Telkomsel for bringing network coverage to the most remote corner of Solok Regency. He affirmed that the BTS construction in Garabak Data demonstrates a commitment to delivering telecommunications services to the furthest reaches of the country.
“We express our gratitude to President Prabowo and of course also to Telkomsel President Director Nugroho and his team. Thank God, today we are present in Garabak Data. In the name of God, we hereby officially inaugurate the Telkomsel BTS together,” said Andre in a written statement on Tuesday (17 February 2026).
As a member of the House of Representatives from the Gerindra Party faction, he said he is committed to pushing for improved Telkomsel services and equitable network coverage for all Indonesians, including in remote areas such as Garabak Data.
According to him, telecommunications networks are not merely about providing telephone signal, but about opening access to information, healthcare services, education, and the digital economy for communities in the hinterland. He expressed hope that the BTS would improve residents’ quality of life whilst accelerating regional development.
He also stressed that BTS construction in remote areas must continue so that no region in West Sumatra remains isolated in terms of communications. He called on the community to safeguard the BTS facility to ensure it remains optimally functional as a shared asset for the village’s progress.
Meanwhile, Firman said Garabak Data is the most remote village in Solok Regency, which has thus far seen little development. He expressed appreciation for the support of various parties in bringing telecommunications signal to local residents.
Firman, on behalf of the Garabak Data community, also thanked Andre and Telkomsel for the BTS construction in the area. He emphasised that Garabak Data, as a 3T area, urgently needs accelerated development. The regional government, he said, will pursue road construction to the village through central government support.
With the Telkomsel BTS now operational in Garabak Data, new hope has emerged for residents of Solok Regency’s most remote village. From being previously known as a land without signal and without paved roads, Garabak Data is now beginning to connect with the digital world and opening new opportunities for its residents’ future.
Separately, Andy urged the community to play an active role in protecting the BTS tower. He warned that several components inside, particularly backup batteries, are vulnerable to theft and play a vital role in keeping the network functioning during power outages.
Garabak Data Village Head Pardinal expressed gratitude to Andre and Telkomsel for the BTS construction in their area. With the arrival of the telecommunications network, signal and internet access are now available to residents. He assured that the community would collectively safeguard the BTS tower so that its benefits can be sustained over the long term.