SENTANI – As part of a working visit to support the success of the upcoming Revote for Governor and Vice Governor of Papua, Acting Governor Agus Fatoni symbolically handed over 49 Starlink devices and 5 IndiBiz internet service units to the Government of Jayapura Regency on Thursday (July 24).

The handover was conducted in front of regional government officials and community leaders, and was accompanied by the Head of the Papua Provincial Communication and Information Office, Jeri Yudianto, as a manifestation of the provincial government's commitment to accelerating digital transformation and ensuring equal access to information in 3T regions (Frontier, Remote, and Disadvantaged Areas).

“The government is here to respond to the needs of the people, especially in areas with poor signal coverage. With the provision of VSAT–Starlink, we hope that communities in the remote regions of Jayapura Regency can enjoy stable internet access for education, public services, and democratic participation. The quantity provided is based on the regency's proposal and adjusted to available fiscal capacity,” said Acting Governor Fatoni during the handover.

The Starlink devices will be installed in several villages and strategic points that are not yet covered by conventional internet networks. They are also expected to support the smooth implementation of the revote in the area. Meanwhile, the IndiBiz services will be installed in selected houses of worship and other public facilities that are already covered by Telkom infrastructure.

The Head of Papua’s Communication and Informatics Office, supported by ICT Division Head Thomas Sibi as the technical official, added that the Starlink installations in these remote areas are also equipped with supporting devices such as access points, Mikrotik routers for bandwidth management, and portable solar cells in areas without reliable electricity to ensure stable internet infrastructure.

“Internet access is no longer a secondary need, but a basic right for people to connect and thrive,” he emphasized.

This initiative is not temporary; it is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen Papua's digital infrastructure. Through this step, the Papua Provincial Government demonstrates its strong commitment to developing Papua from the periphery, connecting remote areas, and strengthening democracy through improved access to information and technology. ***