Connectivity Important for National Unity, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi inaugurates the operation of BAKTI 4G BTS signal and internet access in underprivileged, foremost, outermost villages, and the operation and integration of Indonesian satellite held at North Bowombaru Base Transceiver Station (BTS), Talaud Islands regency, North Sulawesi province, on Thursday (12/28). (Photo by: Muchlist Jr/Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has emphasized the importance of building connectivity to reach and connect the people from all walks of life to strengthen national unity.

According to the President, the Government has built a number of connectivity infrastructure in Indonesia, among others, through building 4G base transceiver station (BTS).

The President made the statement during the inauguration of the operation of Telecommunication and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) 4G BTS signal and internet access in underprivileged, foremost, outermost villages, and the operation and integration of Indonesian satellite held at North Bowombaru Base Transceiver Station (BTS) in Talaud Islands regency, North Sulawesi province on Thursday (12/28).

“We have built various connectivity infrastructure. We have also built sky access so the people from all walks of life has equal access to the digital world, including by building BTS,” the President said, adding that he felt grateful that the 4G BTS construction in Talaud islands regency has been completed.

“However, there are still 630 [BTS] in the island of Papua that have not yet been completed. Indeed, it is very difficult to access the area. The security also needs to be considered. This morning, I ordered Commander of the Indonesian Defense Force (TNI) and Chief of Indonesian Police to start the development immediately and to ensure the security aspect so all problems can be solved well,” he said.

The President also highlighted the BTS building plan that has been hindered temporarily due to the criminal acts of corruption.  Nonetheless, he asserted that the BTS building should continue for the benefit of the people. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat) (AW/EP)