Ministry of Communication and Digital Ensures Internet Connectivity During Palapa Ring Tahuna-Melonguane Restoration

The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) has prepared mitigation measures to maintain communication and internet services for residents in the Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) and Sangihe regencies of North Sulawesi Province. The move aims to ensure public services and community activities in the affected areas continue during the partial cut restoration of the Palapa Ring Central segment between Tahuna and Melonguane, scheduled from 28 May to 2 June 2026. In a statement on Tuesday in Jakarta, Director of Digital Infrastructure Control at the Ministry’s Digital Infrastructure Directorate, Indra Maulana, stressed that digital connectivity in remote areas is vital infrastructure directly linked to basic public services. According to him, connectivity in border regions supports essential services including education, healthcare, digital governance, community economic transactions, and disaster communication. ‘Island regions face significant geographical challenges. Therefore, connectivity restoration must be swift, measured, and involve full coordination with all relevant parties,’ he said. ‘Technical teams are working on an accelerated scheme to ensure service restoration meets the target timeline. All restoration progress is regularly updated to ensure the process proceeds safely and as planned,’ said Darien. The Tahuna-Melonguane segment is a strategic route of the Palapa Ring Central network, supporting internet and communication connectivity in North Sulawesi’s island region. Restoration steps include locating fault points, cable lifting, final connections, and network testing before full service resumes on 2 June 2026. The Ministry of Communication and Digital emphasised that restoring connectivity in 3T (border, outermost, and underdeveloped) areas is crucial for maintaining national digital transformation equity and ensuring reliable communication access for border and outer island communities. Without prompt restoration, communication service quality risks disruption, potentially affecting community activities and public services dependent on digital connectivity in border and outer island regions.