Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) has stated that super WiFi technology has been chosen for providing internet services in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), in order to build community-based tourism in the area. “The President’s directive is to develop community-based tourism. Because the existing community needs to be developed, technology is being used that can make it easier for villagers to access the internet,” Minister of Communication and Informatics, Johnny G Plate, remarked during a working visit to Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, NTT, according to a press statement issued on Friday.

Super WiFi uses satellites to provide fast internet access. Super WiFi devices have been selected as per the needs and geographical conditions of the location, the minister informed.

The device installed in the courtyard of the Nurul Huda Gorontalo Mosque, Labuan Bajo, can serve a radius of 500 meters, he said.

“Regular WiFi (range) is usually 50 to 100 meters. (The range of) Super WiFi can only be up to 500 meters. One village can be covered, but it has a layer. So that residents of one village here can access the internet directly from the satellite,” Johnny explained.

According to the minister, the largest cost involved in providing internet access is Operational Expenditure (Opex) for renting satellite capacity.

“Now, there are 9 satellites in use throughout Indonesia. In 2023, we will release the 146 BT SATRIA Multifunction Satellite, which will be used for 150 locations of total government services," the minister remarked.

The ministry said he hopes that internet services provided in Labuan Bajo are used for productive purposes and to develop the digital economy, as well as to improve the quality of human resources.

Even though internet access is free for residents, the ministry said cellular operators still need to add Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).

In the tourist area of Labuan Bajo, 23 Base Transceiver Stations need to be installed for the 4G network, Plate informed. While there are 20 active Base Transceiver Stations, 3 more stations are being installed, he added.

The Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) of Kominfo plans to build 421 new Base Transceiver Stations to provide 4G services in 421 villages in NTT in 2021. The number of BTS locations in NTT is targeted to reach 572 in 2021.

In some regions, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics is considering using Google's Loon technology-- which uses high-attitude balloons in the stratosphere to transmit internet signals - so that it can cater to a wider area, especially for provision of local government services. .(INE)

Related news: Construction of Labuan Bajo logistics terminal to conclude in December
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Translator: Natisha A, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
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