The placing of JakWifi can be focused on schools to support digital education and offices to speed up work
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Urban planning expert Nirwono Joga encouraged the Jakarta provincial government to place the public free WiFi service, JakWifi, at priority locations, such as schools and public transportation facilities.

"The placing of JakWifi can be focused on schools to support digital education and offices to speed up work," Joga stated here on Saturday.

According to the expert, JakWifi can also be made available at terminals, bus stops, and stations for supporting the digital transformation era.

JakWifi should also be provided at city parks to attract residents to hang out there or at other public spaces.

Joga also emphasized the need for the capital city administration to provide JakWifi at flat complexes and dense settlements to help digital micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and support the work from home (WFH) scheme.

JakWifi is a free internet service and part of the government's public service that is needed by Jakarta residents, according to Joga.

JakWifi, when utilized, can encourage digitalization, productivity, creativity, and the work from anywhere (WFA) scheme.

Joga is optimistic that the Jakarta provincial government would be capable of providing reliable WiFi service, as it has a considerable budget of up to Rp80 trillion a year as compared to other regions.

Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD) member Gembong Warsono assessed that JakWifi is needed by low-income people, especially low-income families, who have children studying in school.

In one low-income family, there are usually two to three children, who still go to school. Although the children routinely receive the Jakarta Smart Card (KJP) funds from the local administration, it does not include digital access assistance, Warsono revealed.

Meanwhile, the Jakarta provincial government has reduced the JakWifi points, as more users use it for entertainment rather than for studying or working, based on a survey.

In a survey conducted in December 2021, JakWifi utilization had reached 56 percent and rose to 60.9 percent in 2022.

In November 2022, only 27.5 percent of usage was for remote learning, while most users used JakWifi for entertainment or gaming purposes.

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Translator: Dewa W, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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