TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government is upgrading digital access on Miangas Island, the country's northernmost border region, by deploying Starlink internet, mobile phones and signal boosters to improve connectivity, services and economic activity.
"The support was delivered during a visit to Miangas Island by President Prabowo Subianto and Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid," the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
A total of 203 families will receive connectivity assistance, including Starlink devices, mobile phones and improved signal coverage, in collaboration with state-owned telecom firm Telkomsel.
Each family is expected to receive one Starlink device and one mobile phone, the ministry said.
The government has prepared 180 Starlink modems and 210 mobile phones to support communications on the island.
All 180 Starlink units have been shipped from Jakarta to Manado, North Sulawesi, using multiple flights. Meanwhile, 210 mobile phones have arrived in Manado for onward delivery to Miangas.
Further shipments from Manado to Miangas will be coordinated with the Cabinet Secretariat using a CN aircraft.
In addition to devices, residents will benefit from improved signal quality. The ministry and Telkomsel are preparing additional base transceiver station (BTS) equipment, to be flown from Manado to Miangas using a chartered aircraft.
The improved connectivity is expected to help residents communicate more easily, access public services, support education, boost economic activity and obtain information faster.
The program is part of broader efforts to expand digital access in Indonesia’s outermost and border regions, which have long faced limited telecommunications infrastructure.
Read: Prabowo Eyes Fisherfolk Village in Indonesia's Northernmost Island
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