Satellite Connectivity Strengthened to Accelerate Maritime Digital Transformation
Telkomsat is strengthening satellite-based connectivity services to support the digital transformation of Indonesia’s maritime sector. The enhancement is intended to meet the communication and data exchange needs of vessels operating in waters not covered by terrestrial networks.
Connectivity has become an essential requirement for various maritime activities, ranging from commercial shipping, logistics, fisheries, energy and mining, industrial support vessels, to tourist vessels. Communication access is needed to support coordination with control centres, fleet monitoring, data exchange, weather information updates, and crew communication.
Telkomsat Commercial Director Andri Yunianto said the characteristics of the maritime industry require technology capable of following vessel movements and adapting to customer operational needs.
“The maritime industry has very dynamic characteristics. Vessels are constantly moving and operating in areas that cannot always be reached by terrestrial networks. Telkomsat wants to deliver solutions that are not only reliable but also easy to use and suited to customer needs while carrying out activities at sea,” said Andri.
According to Andri, connectivity during voyages is no longer merely a means of communication. The technology can support operational efficiency, voyage safety, and management visibility over fleet activities.
Stable communication access enables faster coordination between vessels and operational centres. Journey information can also be updated regularly so that fleet managers have a more current picture of operational conditions to support decision-making.
Telkomsat is developing satellite connectivity services that can support vessel mobility and provide high-speed internet access during voyages. The devices used are designed to be practical to support operational needs on board.
The service can be utilised for various activities, such as operational communication, access to cloud-based applications, data exchange between vessels and control centres, fleet monitoring, and crew communication needs.
In addition to shipping companies, the connectivity solution is aimed at the fisheries, energy and mining sectors, operational support vessels, and business operators requiring communication access while at sea.
“For us, providing connectivity on board is not merely about supplying internet access. The value we want to deliver is how the technology can help customers maintain productivity, improve operational quality, and create a safer and more comfortable voyage experience,” said Andri.
Connectivity needs also relate to the condition of crew members who undertake journeys lasting days to weeks. Communication access allows crew members to stay informed and communicate with their families while at sea.
In developing the service, Telkomsat does not rely solely on technological readiness. The company also prepares support ranging from customer needs consultation, device installation, service activation, to technical support.
This approach is taken to tailor services to the characteristics and needs of each maritime operational activity. With satellite infrastructure support and experience in managing connectivity services, Telkomsat is targeting a greater contribution to the digitalisation of the national maritime sector.
The vastness of Indonesia’s waters makes connectivity needs both a challenge and an opportunity for the telecommunications industry. With satellite-based connectivity, vessels can remain connected even when operating far from coastal areas and terrestrial networks.
The connectivity enhancement is expected to help the maritime industry maintain smooth operations, accelerate communication, improve efficiency, and support digital transformation across Indonesia’s waters.