Telkomsat's Community Gateway Drives Accelerated Inclusive Digitalisation in 3T Regions
Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat), as one of the operating companies of PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom), is promoting equitable digital connectivity in eastern Indonesia through the optimisation of satellite services and the development of strategic infrastructure. This effort aligns with the growing need for internet access in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions that are not optimally served by terrestrial networks.
According to a 2025 survey by the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), national internet penetration has reached 80.66%. However, regional disparities remain significant, with penetration in Maluku and Papua at around 69.26%. This situation underscores the importance of connectivity solutions capable of reaching areas difficult to serve with land-based networks.
In response to these needs, Telkomsat is strengthening its adaptive and market-relevant service portfolio. Telkomsat Commercial Director Andri Yunianto stated that eastern Indonesia has immense growth potential amid rising digital connectivity demands across various sectors.
“The demand for connectivity services in eastern Indonesia continues to show a positive trend. Telkomsat views this as both an opportunity and a responsibility to deliver solutions that not only reach but also provide reliable and sustainable service quality. Through enhancements to services like Internet Merah Putih and infrastructure developments such as the Community Gateway Wamena, Telkomsat is committed to accelerating equitable digital access and opening new economic opportunities for communities,” said Andri.
Internet Merah Putih to Community Gateway
Telkomsat offers the Internet Merah Putih service as a satellite broadband solution to accelerate digitalisation in sectors including government, education, healthcare, and SMEs. Telkomsat also provides VSAT-based services and other connectivity solutions that deliver stable internet access to coastal areas, interiors, and outermost islands.
The presence of Internet Merah Putih as a solution to equalise communication and internet access remains a major challenge in various parts of Indonesia, especially in the eastern regions with complex geographical characteristics such as mountains, dense forests, and scattered archipelagic areas. Limitations in fibre optic infrastructure and Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) have resulted in blank spots, impacting community access to digital services, information, and economic opportunities.
Additionally, Telkomsat is focusing on business development in eastern Indonesia as a new growth source. Infrastructure strengthening continues, including the development of the Community Gateway Wamena, projected to become a strategic hub for satellite service distribution in the Papua Pegunungan region. The gateway’s presence is expected to improve service quality and expand connectivity coverage in areas with infrastructure limitations.
This step continues previous initiatives, such as the Community Gateway Merauke, inaugurated in December 2025 as Indonesia’s and Southeast Asia’s first satellite gateway. That facility strengthens network resilience in Indonesia’s easternmost region by providing high-capacity, low-latency satellite access, while also serving as a distribution point for connectivity to local networks.
Given Indonesia’s archipelagic geography, satellite technology is positioned as a strategic solution to reach areas not optimally served by terrestrial networks. With advantages in flexibility and coverage, satellite services act as the backbone of connectivity in remote areas, supporting sectors such as education through digital learning, telemedicine-based healthcare services, digital government services, and community economic activities.
“Going forward, Telkomsat will continue to prioritise operational efficiency and service diversification to strengthen business resilience. With reliable satellite technology support and strategic infrastructure development, Telkomsat is optimistic about continuing to serve as the main enabler in driving inclusive digital transformation, while opening new economic opportunities for communities across Indonesia, particularly in the eastern regions,” said Andri.