Internet connectivity has become a necessity in Indonesia, yet many villages remain unconnected. To close this gap, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has launched the Kampung Internet 2025 Program, aiming to bring broadband services to remote areas across the country.
The Kampung Internet 2025 program’s first rollout began in North Sumatra, where 307 access points are being installed out of a total 1,194 that will be built nationwide. The launch took place in Kramat Gajah Village, Deli Serdang Regency, marking the start of a project that also includes laying 196 kilometers of fiber optic cable. This expansion is intended to push equal access to broadband services across Indonesia.
Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid emphasized how crucial internet access is for rural communities. “With Kampung Internet, students can study more easily, small businesses can reach wider markets, and village public services can run faster,” she said.
The initiative will not only cover North Sumatra but also reach West Nusa Tenggara, Lampung, West Java, and Banten in 2025. It aligns with the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025–2029, which targets 50 percent household broadband penetration, fiber optic coverage in 90 percent of districts, and speeds of 100 Mbps by 2029.
Currently, only 21 percent of households in Indonesia have fixed broadband. Meutya acknowledged the challenge ahead. “This means we still have much work to do. Kampung Internet is one way to catch up with this target,” she explained.
Yet the lack of access remains pressing. As of now, 2,333 villages still do not have internet, including 2,017 without 4G and 316 located in non-residential farming zones. Meutya described this as a national challenge but one that can be solved collectively.
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“These numbers are achievable if we all join hands to finish this homework together,” she stated during the 80th Post and Telecommunication Service Day in Bandung, West Java, on September 27.
She also drew a historical parallel, reminding the public of the spirit of the Young Generation of the Telephone and Telegraph Company (AMPTT) in 1945. On September 27 of that year, they seized control of PTT from Japan and broadcast Indonesia’s independence to the world. Meutya stressed that the same determination is needed to advance digitalization today.
The minister pointed out that raising fixed broadband penetration, which currently stands at 27.4 percent, must be the priority. Alongside that, strengthening sovereign telecommunication infrastructure is essential not only for connectivity but also for protecting national security amid global geopolitical challenges.
