Closing Indonesia’s connectivity gap through central-local government partnership

Just four years ago, residents of West Halmahera regent in North Maluku province, Indonesia, had to climb trees just to get cellular signal.  

Today, nearly all 173 villages are connected, thanks to a combination of infrastructure and collaborative governance facilitated by the Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI Komdigi). 

BAKTI Komdigi is the executing agency under the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) responsible for bridging the digital divide in Indonesia, especially in its 3T regions. 

Indonesia’s 3T regions refer to Tertinggal (underdeveloped), Terdepan (frontier), and Terluar (outermost), which are currently facing significant developmental, geographical, and economic challenges. 

The agency works with telecom operators to deliver basic digital access to Indonesia’s isolated and disadvantaged regions, through base transceiver stations (BTS), fibre optic networks, and satellite connectivity. 

It also strengthens partnerships between central and local governments, so that these regions can transform digitally, access public services and economic opportunities. 

GovInsider speaks with Head of West Halmahera’s regent, James Uang, and Morotai Island’s Head of the Communication and Informatics Office, Nasrudin Padoma – both from the North Maluku province – to learn more about how these efforts are supporting digital transformation in their respective areas. 

From blank spots to digital visibility  

West Halmahera’s digital transformation started from the ground up, aiming to bring mobile connectivity to more than 138,000 residents.  

Recalling the early challenges, Uang says: “In 2020, network coverage in our region was almost non-existent. Sometimes residents had to climb trees just to find a signal.”

To bridge this gap, Uang advocated for central government intervention, working closely with the Minister of Komdigi to accelerate the deployment of essential telecommunications infrastructure. 

As a result, 62 telecommunication towers were built with support from the central government. This effort was further strengthened by collaborating with various stakeholders, including Telkom and BAKTI Komdigi, adding around 15 additional towers.  

Within four years, areas that were once blank spots now have relatively widespread access to basic communication services.  

“Now all 173 villages are covered by network access. While not all areas can support video calls yet, people can at least make phone calls,” he says.  

He refers to this partnership initiative as “Halbar Berdering”, also known as “West Halmahera Ringing.” 

“Areas that were once considered isolated are now gradually being connected. Internet access has reached schools and sub-district offices,” Uang adds, noting that the local government is now working with the private sector to develop fibre optic infrastructure to improve network quality.  

For him, connectivity is not just about infrastructure, but also ensuring communities are ready to make use of it. 

As such, Halbar Berdering has evolved to include digital skills training and capacity-building initiatives. 

“In today’s digital era, people – especially young people – must be able to master technology. Smartphones are not just for communication but can also be tools for creativity and content creation,” he says. 

He also highlights West Halmahera’s tourism potential, noting that improved digital capabilities could help promote the region’s natural attractions. 

Advancing digital governance  

With improved connectivity, West Halmahera is now adopting digital solutions in public administration. 

Civil service management, data systems, and tax and retribution services have all transitioned to digital platforms, in line with central government directives. 

“Everything is now online and system-based, from civil service data to tax and retribution services. This has greatly improved government administration,” says Uang.  

The region’s financial management system is also now integrated with the Ministry of Home Affairs, enabling real-time monitoring of transactions. 

“Every money we spend can be tracked. This is part of our effort to improve transparency and prevent budget leakage,” he added.  

Digitalisation has also strengthened civil service management, Uang notes. 

Processes such as staff transfers are now conducted through applications connected to national systems, allowing civil servants to access their records and administrative data transparently.  

Strengthening governance and public services in Morotai  

For Morotai Island’s Padoma, connectivity is a key prerequisite for delivering basic services to more than 83,000 residents.  

To this end, the local government has partnered with BAKTI Komdigi to provide free internet access to communities.  

Reliable connectivity brings government services to the village level, empowers MSMEs through digital opportunities, and bridges the gap in healthcare and education access. 

“The Internet is not just about connections. It is a space for people to learn, create businesses, and innovate,” says Padoma. 

Long before this, the outermost island – once a Japanese base during the World War II – faced limited internet access, an unstable electricity supply, and uneven supporting infrastructure. 

Nasrudin explains that Morotai’s digital transformation journey began with strengthening internal governance.

Instead of rushing to adopt large-scale digital systems, the focus has been on organisational restructuring, human resource mapping, and improving public communication channels.  

“At present, our programmes are focused on public communication functions, including strengthening public information services through government websites and social media,” he adds.  

Moving forward, the local government is preparing to integrate systems through the Satu Data Morotai initiative, strengthen digital governance, and establish a cyber incident response team. 

Developing local digital talent  

Speaking at the ‘How to create good content with smartphone training event’ organised by BAKTI Komdigi and TEMPO Impresario on April 14 in Morotai, BAKTI Komdigi’s President Director Fadhilah Mathar said the agency remains committed to expand equitable digital access across Indonesia. 

However, she said that the biggest challenge in Indonesia’s 3T regions is not only building infrastructure but ensuring that central government investments translate into tangible local impact.  

“The next phase of digital transformation is not just about expanding networks, but about empowering communities as both users and creators,” she said.  

Fadhilah highlighted how such initiatives can empower young people to become digital ambassadors for their regions. 

“Digitalisation should serve as a bridge that connects local potential to the wider world,” she said.