Andre Rosiade Meets Telkomsel CEO to Discuss BTS Tower Construction in Kapur IX
Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives Andre Rosiade met with Telkomsel’s CEO Nugroho to ensure the prompt realisation of a BTS tower construction in Nagari Galugua, Kapur IX Subdistrict, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra, on Wednesday (15/4/2026). The meeting was prompted by ongoing difficulties in accessing telecommunication signals in the area.
This step followed the circulation of a video depicting the struggles of junior high school students in Nagari Galugua, who had to walk approximately 6 kilometres and take computer-based exams under an emergency tent to obtain internet access. The situation highlighted the stark digital divide in remote regions and captured public attention.
The exams were conducted with very limited facilities. The students, along with supervising teachers, persevered despite facing the scorching sun to complete their computer-based tests.
Accompanying teacher Sauki Alfajri noted that the primary challenge in conducting the exams was the extremely difficult network access. Even participants and supervisors had to wait for hours to access the online exam system.
Despite the limitations, all 14 participants successfully logged in, completed the questions, and uploaded their results to the central server. The laptops used were borrowed from various parties. One student even stated that internet signals at their school were indeed very hard to obtain.
This situation prompted Andre Rosiade to directly meet with Telkomsel’s leadership. During the meeting, Andre ensured that the aspirations of the Galugua community would be followed up concretely.
Andre Rosiade expressed concern over the condition of students who must walk far to obtain internet signals for exams. Therefore, he urged Telkomsel to immediately send a team to the location and accelerate the BTS construction in Nagari Galugua as a permanent solution for the community.
He emphasised that this effort represents great hope for the Kapur IX community so that in the future, no more students have to walk far just to take exams. This was particularly conveyed directly by Telkomsel’s CEO.
“Accelerating telecommunication network development aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to ensure no part of Indonesia is left behind in digital access,” said Andre, who is also the General Chairman of the Minang Family Association (IKM) executive board, in his statement on Thursday (16/4/2026).
Previously, Nagari Galugua’s Head Wendriadi had also submitted a proposal for BTS tower construction to the Lima Puluh Kota Regency Government. The presence of a Telkomsel BTS is expected to provide a real solution so that students can learn and take exams properly without facing network limitations.
“The struggles of Galugua students who persisted in taking exams amid limitations now bear fruit in hope. The commitment to BTS construction within a maximum of three months is a concrete step towards bringing digital access justice to communities in remote areas, while ensuring education is no longer hindered by signal issues,” said Andre.
Meanwhile, Telkomsel CEO Nugroho expressed apologies for the continued existence of blank spot areas in Nagari Galugua that hinder the community, especially students. He affirmed that Telkomsel would promptly follow up on the information by sending a team to the field and targeting the BTS construction to be realised within a maximum of three months.