Digital Equality: Prabowo Sets Sight on 2,500 Connected Villages by 2026

In a significant move toward closing the digital divide, the Indonesian government has officially set an ambitious target: ensuring that 2,500 villages currently without internet access will be fully connected by the end of 2026. This initiative is a cornerstone of the broader mission to accelerate the Indonesia Digital ecosystem, specifically targeting the 3T regions—those that are underdeveloped, outermost, and at the forefront of the nation's borders.

A Symbolic Visit to the Northernmost Tip

The commitment was made crystal clear when President Prabowo Subianto visited Miangas Island, the northernmost point of Indonesia, on Saturday, May 9, 2026. This wasn't just a ceremonial visit; it was a hands-on inspection. The President wanted to see firsthand how digital services and devices are being prepared for citizens living at the very edge of the country. By choosing Miangas, the administration is signaling that digital sovereignty must start from the perimeter and work its way inward.

Putting Technology Directly into the Hands of the People

During his interaction with the locals, President Prabowo emphasized that infrastructure is only half the battle; accessibility is the other. To ensure the residents of Miangas aren't just "near" a signal but actually connected to it, the government is taking a direct approach. "We will strengthen the network so that mobile phones can operate here. The Minister of Communication and Digital will provide Starlink kits and mobile phones for every household," the President announced. This move aims to bypass traditional logistical hurdles by leveraging satellite technology to provide immediate relief to connectivity-starved areas.

Strengthening the Backbone: Starlink and BTS Integration

Accompanying the President, the Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi), Meutya Hafid, detailed the technical roadmap for this expansion. To support the national connectivity target, the ministry has already begun distributing hundreds of Starlink modem units and mobile devices to the Miangas community. However, the strategy isn't relying solely on satellite. There is a concerted effort to reinforce existing terrestrial infrastructure.

Through a strategic collaboration between BAKTI Komdigi and Telkomsel, the government is strengthening Base Transceiver Station (BTS) signals across the region. This hybrid approach—combining the rapid deployment of Starlink with the stability of local BTS towers—is designed to ensure that the internet connection remains stable and reliable, even in extreme geographical conditions.

Bridging the Opportunity Gap

For Minister Meutya Hafid, this mission is about more than just bits and bytes; it is about social justice. She reiterated that equal digital access is the essential foundation for education, public services, and economic growth. The goal is to create a level playing field where a child's location doesn't dictate their potential.

"Children in Miangas deserve the same opportunities as children in Java," Meutya stated. She further noted that small business owners in these remote areas must be empowered to scale their ventures and reach wider markets through digital platforms. By 2026, the government hopes that the term "blank spot" will be a thing of the past for these 2,500 villages, turning them into active participants in the global digital economy.