Jakarta – The government has confirmed that Papua is now a priority region for national digital connectivity development. In fact, this area of eastern Indonesia is projected to become a key hub for Indonesia’s international connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region.
This was emphasized by Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital, Angga Raka Prabowo, during the inauguration of the Pukpuk Submarine Cable owned by PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Internasional (Telin), a subsidiary of Telkom, in Jayapura.
Angga stated that digital infrastructure development should not be centered solely on the island of Java, but must reach all regions of Indonesia, including Papua and eastern Indonesia.
“Indonesia is vast. Indonesia is not just Java. From Sabang to Merauke, it is Indonesia. Therefore, connectivity development should not only be concentrated in the main regions, but must also reach Papua and Eastern Indonesia,” he said, as quoted in a written statement on Saturday (May 9, 2026).
He emphasized that digital connectivity is now a crucial foundation for increasing national competitiveness, strengthening public services, and opening new economic opportunities for the community.
Strengthening international networks in Papua is said to have strategic value because it can expand people’s digital access while strengthening the resilience of Indonesia’s international network.
“Strong connectivity will open up new economic opportunities, expand access to education and digital health services, and strengthen social and economic activities more equitably,” he said.
Angga believes Indonesia has a significant opportunity to develop as a hub for connectivity and a digital ecosystem in the Asia Pacific region, as the development of national digital infrastructure continues to be strengthened.
He also stated that the government continues to encourage collaboration between the central government, regional governments, state-owned enterprises, and industry players to accelerate national digital transformation.
“Collaboration like what we see today is a concrete example of how digital development can be realized together,” he said.
Not only discussing infrastructure, the Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs expressed his personal closeness to Papua, which he said holds a special place in his life.
“Papua holds a special place for me. Therefore, when I received an invitation to this event, I immediately said I was ready to attend,” he concluded.
By strengthening digital infrastructure in Papua, the government hopes to accelerate equitable national development while strengthening Indonesia’s position in the global digital ecosystem.
