inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria encouraged regional governments to support the development of digital telecommunications infrastructure in the regions.
One way is through the implementation of reasonable rental rates for regionally owned assets and regulatory certainty that does not burden the industry.
"Digital transformation is no longer an option, but a primary prerequisite for achieving the 8 percent economic growth target set by President Prabowo and Vice President Gibran. This agenda is highly dependent on the smooth deployment of digital infrastructure in the regions," said Nezar on Wednesday (1/21/2026).
He highlighted the high regulatory burden borne by the Indonesian telecommunications industry, which has reached 12 percent, one of the highest in the world.
This situation is considered unhealthy for the industry's sustainability and could hamper national digital transformation. According to Nezar, there are still regional policies that are not aligned with national regulations regarding the imposition of tariffs for deploying digital infrastructure in the regions.
"The regulations are clear. Article 128B of Home Affairs Ministerial Regulation Number 7 of 2024 concerning Guidelines for the Management of Regional Assets stipulates that the digital infrastructure rental adjustment is 0 percent if the Integrated Utility Network Facility (SJUT) is not yet available. This provision is designed to maintain a balance between optimizing regional assets and investment feasibility," explained Nezar.
He emphasized that the telecommunications industry does not refuse to contribute to regional revenue. However, the industry requires certainty, fairness, and consistency in policy.
Unmeasurable and fluctuating regulatory costs due to unilateral interpretations have the potential to stifle investment and slow the expansion of internet networks to remote areas.
Telecommunications infrastructure, according to Nezar, is a cross-sectoral driver that supports public services, education, health, and regional government transaction systems. If the industry's climate is uncertain, the expected impact of the digital economy, or multiplier effect, will not be optimal.
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