By: Jeremiah Kogoya) *
The optimism of the government with the East Palapa Ring project in Papua is growing. The high-speed internet project is a form of equitable distribution of development based on social justice which is believed to provide many positive benefits.
Who does not know the internet, software connections that allow us to interact with other parties, without meeting this are increasingly increasing. Its sophistication is widely recognized by the world for developing a number of fields, including economics as well as education. So that development related to internet connection is also developing rapidly, so that remote areas can keep up with developments in the vicinity.
The Palapa Ring Timur project, which is predicted to be completed in 2019, is said to have a number of benefits that will boost Papua’s welfare. In particular the economic sector is also education. As we know, nowadays the internet is a pretty crucial need. Given the need for digital devices is widely used to support various purposes. Even with East Palapa Ting which was built on this Earth of Paradise.
The government believes that this project will provide great benefits to all Indonesian people, especially Papua. Moreover, the construction of this optical fiber network will make internet access easier and faster. Not only the eastern region, but throughout the archipelago will be better connected.
As reported, the government not only uses the Palapa Ring as an achievement of signal independence. But also helped build a multifunctional satellite. That way connectivity will be assessed better. Anang Latif, as the President Director of BAKTI, is convinced that the development of this fiber optic network will create an economy that will continue to accelerate. Like tele-education, tele-health and so forth
This is considered to be helping push the economic sector to remote villages. So that people in rural areas will be able to take advantage of this internet. One of them is selling business results in order to get a larger market share. At this rate, well-being will increase. With all the supporting infrastructure that already exists, it is certain that internet speed will be able to reach up to 10 Mbps in rural areas and 20 Mbps in urban areas.
The same thing was expressed by Rudiantara as Minister of Communication and Information. He explained the reason behind making this project called the Palapa Ring Network. He explained, that all telecommunications operators have not been able to build networks evenly in all regions of Indonesia. Therefore, Palapa Ring is considered as the most appropriate solution of these problems. It also has held discussions with telecommunications operators before building this fiber optic network mega project.
According to him, these operators also gave their answers in the form of letters. They stated their intention to participate in developing such projects in certain areas. Now, from that answer, Rudiantara will know where the areas are not built by these operators.
He also added that the Palapa Ring project was a telecommunications infrastructure development that would reach remote areas, remote to the border. So that the average telecommunications operator is not interested in entering certain areas because it is considered unprofitable. As a solution, the government then entered and built the telecommunications network itself. He also stressed that if he would help build the whole of Indonesia.
It was previously stated that the Palapa Ring east package had passed the initial stage of deploying cable and underwater optics around 4,500 kilometers in August. While for land cables, it has been implemented by PT Palapa Timur Telematics. Underwater fiber optic cables are located in Bintuni Bay, West Papua. Reportedly this process uses three ships, namely; Pacific Guardian, Nostag 10, and Teliri. And now the Middle Ring and West have been completed and people can enjoy this super fast internet connection.
Despite the many obstacles related to the construction of this project, the government continues to speed up the work of the East Palapa Ring Project. Given the many fields that are difficult to penetrate so it requires extra effort to reach them. However, this hard work should be appreciated. This indicates that the government continues to strive for equality in development projects, related to the East Palapa Ring. Hopefully the construction will soon be completed so that the area through the East Palapa Ring will soon be free of signals and can enjoy technological advancements like other citizens.
) * The writer is a Papuan student living in Jakarta