"We are building a fiber optic network for the Palapa Ring extension of about 12,100 km on land and sea connecting all fiber optic points. Later, Indonesia will have no less than 372,000 km of optical fiber," Plate told reporters after the opening of the third meeting of Indonesia's G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) in Labuan Bajo, Wednesday.
The DEWG is one of the working groups of the G20 that focuses on issues regarding the digital economy and highlights the role of digital transformation on economic and social growth.
G20 is an international forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union that work together to handle major issues. Indonesia is holding the presidency of the grouping this year.
Plate later explained that the construction of optical fiber was one of the digital infrastructure developments in the upstream sector, especially in the backbone layer or the connectivity backbone.
Furthermore, satellites are built for optimizing middle-mile layer performance since several areas are difficult to reach due to topographic, geographical, and other constraints, he stated.
"In the near future, I will go to the United States to see preparations for the launch of our first satellite of 150 gigabytes per second that will be conducted in the first quarter of 2023. The second satellite in the middle-mile layer will be launched in July-August 2023," he stated.
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In addition to the two layers, the development of digital infrastructure in the upstream sector is conducted in the last-mile layer through the construction of base transceiver stations (BTS) across the country.
He expressed optimism that development of the upstream sector at all levels can bring progress to Indonesia. Thus, at the end of the Advance Indonesia cabinet's service period, Indonesia will have a better digital ecosystem.
"President Joko Widodo had given clear direction to ensure digital infrastructure development across all regions," Plate stated.
On that occasion, the minister also highlighted the importance of developing downstream digital infrastructure, such as data centers.
The Third DEWG Meeting took place in Labuan Bajo on July 20-22, 2022. This meeting was attended by 17 delegates in person and three delegates virtually.
During the meeting, the DEWG G20 delegation will discuss cooperation in handling strong foundations and understanding the flow of data across national borders.
Through the DEWG, the Indonesian government has established data governance principles that are set in negotiations.
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Translator: Fransiska Mariana N, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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