For millions of Indonesians, affordable high-speed internet remains a dream. But that may soon change. The government is now working on a major plan to bring faster internet at lower prices, aiming to offer 100 Mbps speeds for only IDR 100,000 (around USD 5.96). If successful, this initiative could become a key driver of Indonesia’s digital growth.
The government’s strategy revolves around preparing the 1.4 GHz frequency band to support low-cost internet infrastructure. With this spectrum, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) hopes to make high-speed broadband more accessible for the general public. The initiative is still in progress, as several regulatory steps are being finalized.
Director General of Digital Infrastructure, Wayan Toni, confirmed that the frequency auction cannot begin until two essential regulatory documents are issued: a Ministerial Regulation on the use of the 1.4 GHz frequency, and a Draft Ministerial Decree (RKM) on standardization of BWA (Broadband Wireless Access) devices.
“We’re waiting for the Ministerial Regulation on the use of the 1.4 GHz frequency and the RKM on standardizing BWA devices from the Minister,” Wayan said to CNBC Indonesia on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
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Once these two documents are finalized, the next step will involve preparing further RKMs—one for the base price and another for the auction’s selection documents. Only then will the government move forward with the frequency auction process.
“Our target is to begin by May,” Wayan added.
When asked about which companies might take part in the auction, Wayan held back specifics. He stressed the importance of waiting until the auction officially opens before knowing how many players will enter the race.
“Let’s wait for the auction and see how many companies will apply,” he said. “Especially those with licenses for providing local fixed packet-switched network services,” he added.
The 1.4 GHz frequency band, totaling 80 MHz, is specifically allocated for Broadband Wireless Access. This technology uses radio spectrum to enable data communication services and falls under the fixed broadband category, not mobile networks.
The government has long envisioned providing 100 Mbps internet at affordable rates of IDR 100,000 to IDR 150,000. This frequency allocation is seen as a concrete step toward realizing that vision. The upcoming auction is expected to attract providers that offer fixed broadband services using devices like routers or modems, which are not tied to mobile phone numbers.
If the initiative goes as planned, it could reshape Indonesia’s internet landscape—making it faster, cheaper, and more accessible for all.
