Legislator Highlights Internet Access Disparities in Banten: 387 Blank Spots Remain
A member of the Banten Provincial Legislative Assembly (DPRD), Riyan Hidayat, has stated that there are 387 internet dead zones across the Banten region. The highest concentration of these coverage gaps is in the southern areas, specifically in Lebak and Tangerang Regencies.
“I received new data from the Communications and Information Office. There are 387 blank spots across Banten Province. In my electoral district, Tangerang Regency, there are 6 such points. The most are in Pandeglang and Lebak,” said Riyan on Saturday, 14 March 2026.
As a member of Commission I of the Banten DPRD, Riyan expressed hope that the issue would be resolved. However, he reported concerns that the Banten Provincial Government has not budgeted any activities to address the internet coverage gaps.
“I am not yet aware whether they have coordinated with the regencies to facilitate this. At the central level (the Ministry of Communications and Digital Information), there are indeed many programmes to eliminate blank spots, but I have not received information about how many points have been budgeted this year for Banten. What is certain is that at the provincial level this year the budget is zero,” he stated.
He emphasised that this issue needs urgent resolution, noting that communities require internet access for economic and social development.
“This concerns information access, education, and health. When we talk about equalisation, all citizens must have equal rights. How can they obtain information if they do not have internet access at all? We ourselves become frustrated when internet is slow, let alone those with no internet whatsoever,” he said.
Riyan noted that the Banten Provincial DPRD will discuss and push for greater internet access equity. He expressed concern about disparities between urban and rural areas.
“This is a note for us in Commission I to encourage internet access to reach all communities in Banten, not just cities,” he concluded.