Technologue.id, Jakarta – The third annual Technologue Award was held on August 26, 2024, at Warunk WOW KWB in South Jakarta. This event, dedicated to honoring technology and telecommunications companies, featured a discussion session called GeekTalk with the theme „Sky Highway Bridging Indonesia: Indonesia’s Sovereign Future in the Digital Era.“
The topic of „Sky Highway“ was particularly intriguing. Coined by Rudiantara during his tenure as the Minister of Communication and Information in 2019, the term refers to the Palapa Ring project aimed at providing high-speed and widespread internet access throughout Indonesia using fiber optic networks and satellites.
It is undeniable that technology continues to evolve, requiring industry players to anticipate the changing times and technological advancements, including the emergence of Starlink. According to Teguh Prasetya, CEO of PT. Alita Praya Mitra, the introduction of Starlink has introduced a new dynamic to the telecommunications industry in Indonesia.
„Starlink’s presence introduces a new dynamic. Without new technology, there is no new dynamic, no pros and cons. With this, dynamics come to life,“ Teguh stated at the beginning of his presentation.
In addition to the emergence of Starlink, digital inclusivity is also a significant challenge faced by the telecommunications industry in Indonesia. Digital inclusivity, especially in remote areas, poses a major challenge, including overcoming the high costs of network development and bridging the technology access gap between urban and rural areas.
„Villages are not yet connected to the internet, including health centers. We have not reached the poor people. The poor people, 9.5 percent, amounting to 25.4 million people in Indonesia, are truly poor, and 20 percent are at risk of poverty,“ Teguh explained.
The Technologue Award and the GeekTalk session shed light on the current landscape of the telecommunications industry in Indonesia, highlighting the importance of embracing new technologies like Starlink while addressing the challenges of digital inclusivity. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to collaborate and innovate to ensure that all Indonesians have access to the benefits of the digital era.