Community Gateway Wamena operational to strengthen connectivity in Papua

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Wamenkomdigi) Angga Raka Prabowo inaugurated the Community Gateway Wamena as a digital infrastructure operating to strengthen connectivity in Papua and expand internet equity, particularly for eastern Indonesia regions. The presence of this satellite-supporting digital infrastructure is expected to broaden access to digital services while addressing geographical challenges in Papua’s mountainous areas. “Today, we are not just inaugurating satellite infrastructure. Today, we affirm that Wamena, the Papua Mountains, and all of eastern Indonesia are an important part of Indonesia’s digital future,” said Angga during the inauguration of the Community Gateway Wamena in Jayapura, Papua, on Friday. According to him, the development of the Community Gateway Wamena serves as proof of the government’s commitment to bringing digital infrastructure to hard-to-reach areas. Geographical challenges must not become obstacles to equitable national digital development, including digital connectivity. The Deputy Minister explained that strengthening connectivity in Papua is a key part of supporting national digital transformation and inclusive economic growth. Moving forward, the government targets digital transformation to open new economic growth centres in eastern Indonesia. “We remember President Prabowo’s economic growth target of 8 percent, and this is one of the most important enablers. However, that growth must also be inclusive; it cannot only be enjoyed in big cities and must not be concentrated in old economic centres,” said Angga. Not only contributing to digital economic growth, this satellite infrastructure is also expected to strengthen public services and community empowerment in Papua, especially in the Papua Mountains. It is hoped that this connectivity can be optimally utilised by schools, community health centres, government offices, MSME actors, and youth communities connecting to broader digital communities, even internationally. In closing his remarks, Angga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing digital infrastructure up to the outermost and remote areas to realise equitable national development and Indonesia’s digital transformation. “From Wamena, we send a strong message to Indonesia: connectivity is hope, digitalisation is the path to progress, and eastern Indonesia will stand even stronger as a centre for Indonesia’s digital economic growth,” said Angga.