Microsoft Indonesia builds 21 computer access points

Microsoft Indonesia builds 21 computer access points

Leony Aurora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

In yet another effort to bridge the gaping digital divide
across the country, PT Microsoft Indonesia has launched 21
community training and learning centers (CTLC) to provide access
to the latest information and communication technology.

The country's branch of US-based giant software manufacturer
Microsoft will assist the centers with hardware, software and
training, said president Tony Chen on Monday.

"We have a long-standing commitment suited to the demand and
our capability in providing the assistance," he said after
signing a memorandum of understanding with the Office of the
State Minister for Communications and Information.

He declined to disclose the total funds allotted for the
program.

State Minister Sofyan A. Djalil welcomed the cooperation,
saying that as the government had limited funds, private sector
involvement in introducing computers and up to date technology
was highly appreciated.

"However, people using the centers or non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) operating them should find ways to make
money to be independent from sponsors," said Sofyan.

The 21 CTLCs are spread in 16 regions, including war-torn
Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam with four centers, Medan and Parapat in
North Sumatra, Jakarta with two centers, Sukabumi and Bandung in
West Java, Bojonegoro and Surabaya in East Java, Gianyar in Bali,
Mataram, Makasar and Pontianak.

A CTLC is different from the popular warnet (Internet shop) in
that the former does not look for profit. Like warnet, some of
the centers also offer Internet access to the public, but its
main activity is providing training on information and
communication technology.

Microsoft will be a donor for the centers, developed
throughout 2004, for one year, after which they are expected to
be independent or to find other donors.

The software company is not the first to introduce such
learning centers, or community access points (CAPs) as the
government calls them. Others are already present, like the
Community Information Hall of the Indonesian Infocom Society
(Mastel), Indonesian Community Electronic Information Network
of the National Internet Body (LIN).

The office's deputy for communication and information network
Cahyana Ahmadjayadi said that currently there were about 2,000
CAPs across the country.

"We are setting up models of CAPs, which will be sustainable
business models, to be used in the future," said Cahyana.