In the remote terrains of Papua, where challenges often outweigh progress, a beacon of modernization is set to illuminate the connectivity landscape. President Joko Widodo's directive resonates through the efforts of the Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (Bakti), under the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, as they diligently steer towards the completion of the 4G base transceiver station (BTS) project by mid-2024.
The mandate issued by President Jokowi underscores a commitment to bridge the digital divide, urging the swift culmination of telecommunication infrastructure projects by the first semester of the year. As the curtains closed on 2023 with a ceremonial inauguration, a daunting task loomed ahead – 630 BTS sites remained unfinished, predominantly nestled amidst the rugged terrains of Papua, cloaked in security concerns.
"We have 630 sites pending completion, predominantly situated in Papua, primarily due to security issues. However, we are steadfast in our resolve to see these projects through," affirmed Fadhilah Mathar, the Director of Bakti at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, in Jakarta, on Friday, March 8th, 2024.
As of March 6th, 2024, Fadhilah revealed that progress had been made with 118 sites successfully erected. However, challenges persist, prompting strategic coordination meetings with local governments. In instances where construction proves untenable due to security risks, relocation becomes imperative, ensuring technical parameters are met while preserving signal integrity.
"Priority must be accorded to the safety of our teams. If assurances of security from local authorities remain elusive and confirmed reports indicate significant risks, regrettably, we cannot proceed with construction. Time is of the essence, and budgetary constraints necessitate decisive action," explained Fadhilah, emphasizing the delicate balance between progress and safety. do you want to be qa enginerr?
Bakti's Director iterated the steadfast commitment to meet President Jokowi's mandate, setting sights on the first semester of 2024 for project completion. Yet, in cases where the security landscape remains precarious, tough decisions loom. Communities deemed high-risk may witness the unfortunate verdict of project suspension, albeit with a glimmer of hope extended through the opportunity for proposing alternative sites.
"In instances where sites are deemed high-risk, indicating minimal progress in security enhancements, we will regrettably convey our inability to proceed with construction. However, we remain open to suggestions for alternative sites, extending communities a lifeline for connectivity," concluded Fadhilah, encapsulating the intricate interplay between development aspirations and ground realities.
