JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government is actively involved in accelerating digitalization by establishing internet access in regions that are not yet served by operators or where central government infrastructure remains underdeveloped. This initiative aims to ensure equitable connectivity throughout Papua.

The Head of the Papua Communication and Informatics Office, Jeri Agus Yudianto, noted that over the past five years, the central government has undertaken extensive development of digital infrastructure. However, several areas still lack operator services or fully functional government infrastructure. In these situations, the provincial government intervenes.

“We enter areas where operators do not reach. Or, if there is existing central government infrastructure that is not being utilized effectively, we step in to strengthen connectivity,” said Jeri in Jayapura on Monday (May 26, 2025).

He added that this effort supports the goal of increasing digital penetration in Papua. According to the latest data, digital penetration in Papua has only reached 76 percent, which is lower than the national average of 79 percent.

In addition to addressing areas without service, the Papua Provincial Government also encourages the maintenance of existing digital infrastructure. “The digital infrastructure that has been built must be ensured to remain operational and functional. It must not be left unused,” he emphasized.

The digital infrastructure developed by the central government includes the Eastern Palapa Ring backbone network, 4G base transceiver stations (BTS), and satellite-based internet access such as SATRIA 1.

From October 2024 to May 2025, a total of 1,705 digital connectivity points have been established across six provinces in the Papua region. Of these, 351 points use 4G BTS, while the remainder are satellite-based. ***