The Association of Indonesian Internet Service Providers (APJII) has urged the Indonesian government to involve local internet service providers in the development of telecommunications infrastructure in the new capital city, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN).
According to APJII Chairman, Muhammad Arif Angga, the involvement of local internet service providers is necessary to ensure healthy competition in the industry.
“We want local players to be involved in the IKN project so that they can compete healthily,” said Arif during an interview in Jakarta on Monday (12/8/2024).
Arif explained that there are currently 50 local internet service providers operating in Kalimantan, but their coverage is limited to local areas and not nationwide.
Meanwhile, the government has only involved national-level players, including state-owned companies, in the IKN project. PT Telkom Indonesia, a state-owned telecommunications company, has prepared infrastructure and telecommunications services for the August 17th ceremony in IKN.
“We have around 50 ISP players in Kalimantan, but they are local players, not national players,” Arif said.
Arif urged the government to involve local internet service providers from Kalimantan in the development of telecommunications infrastructure in IKN, rather than just relying on state-owned companies.
“I have reminded the authorities and the government that as IKN develops, we should involve local players in building the city together,” Arif said.
The APJII chairman also expressed concern that the government’s favoritism towards state-owned companies would stifle competition and hinder the growth of local internet service providers.
“It’s not fair for local players to be left out of the IKN project. We need to create a level playing field for all players, including local internet service providers,” Arif said.
In response to APJII’s concerns, Communications and Information Minister Budi Arie Setiadi stated that PT Telkom Indonesia is involved in providing connectivity for IKN.
PT Telkom Indonesia has prepared infrastructure and telecommunications services, including fixed broadband (Wi-Fi) and mobile broadband (cellular), for the August 17th ceremony in IKN. The company has also deployed a range of technologies, including next-generation firewall and DDoS protection, to ensure secure and reliable connectivity.
However, APJII remains concerned that the government’s reliance on state-owned companies would undermine the growth of local internet service providers and hinder the development of a healthy telecommunications ecosystem in IKN.