"We have just received a forwarded letter from the Lebak District Government from the Inner Baduy traditional elders (about the removal of internet services)," the ministry's Director General of Public Information and Communication Usman Kansong noted here on Thursday.
Kansong said his side was still studying the request letter and will coordinate with cellular operators to determine the necessary steps to be taken.
He explained that if internet signal access must be cut off in the area where Baduy communities live, then it should take into account the impacts, such as the effect on other community groups in the area, who still need internet services.
"The decision on internet disconnection should consider (the interests of people living in the) surrounding areas, such as the Outer Baduy community, that still want to receive internet (access)," he explained.
Kansong opined that internet access is still quite important for the Outer Baduy community. With the presence of internet network, people there can promote tourism and their handicrafts.
"We will discuss this with cellular operators about how it (can be arranged so as) not to affect the surrounding community, who still want to receive internet (services), such as the Outer Baduy, because their location is close to the Inner Baduy. I think this can be arranged technically," he stated.
Kansong affirmed that the ministry respects the wishes of the Inner Baduy community to remove internet services in their settlements, as this is related to their customs, culture, and wisdom.
Earlier, Baduy customary elders had sent a letter to the district head of Lebak, Banten, requesting the elimination of internet services in their settlement area.
"We hope that the Baduy settlement can be free from internet signals," Jaro Saija, a Baduy customary elder and Kanekes village chief, stated while adding that the internet brings both positive and negative impacts to the community.
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Translator: Fathur R, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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