Armed Group Disrupts Internet Infrastructure Development in Papua
Papua, Indonesia – The expansion of internet access in Indonesia, particularly in the Papua region, continues to face significant challenges, resulting in delays in infrastructure development. In addition to the region’s difficult geographical conditions, disruptions caused by an armed group, known locally as the Armed Criminal Group (KKB), have further slowed the construction of telecommunications infrastructure, including Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).
Acting Director of Resources and Administration at the Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI), a division of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo), Tri Haryanto, stated that residents of Papua should have already begun to benefit from improved internet services. However, acts of vandalism and other disruptions by KKB have hindered the progress of these projects.
“If not for the vandalism, the people of Papua would have been able to enjoy telecommunication services much sooner,” Haryanto remarked, as quoted by Bisnis.com.
The delays in building BTS in several areas are directly attributed to the interference from the armed group, making it impossible to adhere to the original construction timelines.
In response to the ongoing challenges, BAKTI is considering relocating some BTS development sites from areas deemed too risky due to security concerns. Haryanto emphasized that safety is the primary consideration in making these decisions.
“Relocation is necessary because continuing construction in certain areas has become unfeasible due to both security risks and insurmountable geographical challenges,” he added.
BAKTI also issued an apology to the people of Papua for the delays and the potential need to relocate due to security threats. Fadhilah, BAKTI’s Director-General, reported that of the 623 planned BTS in high-risk regions, 140 have been completed so far.
“We sincerely apologize for the delays and the decision to relocate some BTS projects, as we cannot guarantee the safety of our workers in these areas,” Fadhilah stated.
Meanwhile, Indonesian military (TNI) and police forces are maintaining regular patrols to provide security and reassurance to the people of Papua, as they continue to deal with disruptions from the armed group.