Students Take Exams on Hilltop, Andre Rosiade Pushes for BTS Development in Kapur IX
Deputy Chairman of Commission VI of the DPR RI, Andre Rosiade, has responded to the distressing situation faced by students in Kapur IX Subdistrict, Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra. Dozens of students were compelled to travel 6 kilometres uphill to obtain an internet signal for participating in computer-based exams.
The incident involved 14 Class IX students from UPTD SMP Negeri 4 Kapur IX in Nagari Galugua. They had to conduct the exam under an emergency tent in the Batu Sampik area due to the lack of adequate internet coverage at the school. Using borrowed laptops and mobile phone hotspots, the students persevered to complete the exam amidst the limitations.
In response, Andre Rosiade stated that he had personally viewed a video of the students’ arduous efforts to find a signal. He emphasised that such conditions must not be allowed to persist.
“I have seen how our younger siblings must walk 6 kilometres to find a signal for their exams. This cannot be allowed to happen repeatedly,” said Andre Rosiade in a written statement on Thursday (16/4/2026).
As a follow-up, Andre Rosiade coordinated with Telkomsel’s CEO, Nugroho, to accelerate the development of network infrastructure in the region.
“I met with Telkomsel’s CEO today. Insha’Allah, within a maximum of three months, a BTS will be built in Nagari Balukua, Kapur IX Subdistrict,” asserted the Deputy Chairman of the Gerindra Party Faction in the DPR RI.
Telkomsel’s side also expressed its commitment to promptly address the issue. They acknowledged the existence of blank spot areas that hinder the community, particularly in accessing digital-based education services.
“We apologise for the areas that are still not covered by our network. This is a priority for us and will be resolved as soon as possible within a maximum of three months,” said Nugroho.
Furthermore, Andre Rosiade added that this effort aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to eliminate blank spot areas throughout Indonesia and improve the quality of national education.
“This is part of the commitment to ensure no region in Indonesia is without signal, and so that our children can access decent education,” said the Secretary of the Gerindra Party Faction in the MPR RI.
Meanwhile, the school and local community hope that the BTS construction can be realised soon. So far, limited network coverage has been the main obstacle in the teaching and learning process, especially in conducting computer-based exams.
This incident serves as a real portrait of digital access inequality in remote areas, while also demonstrating the high spirit of the students and educators in facing limitations. With the commitment to build the BTS in the near future, the people of Kapur IX now place great hope on equitable internet access for a better educational future.