How satellite connectivity can power Indonesia's digital leap

Author - Antoine Veillon, Group CEO, IEC Telecom

Satellite communications are no longer a backup option; they’re now central to global connectivity and economic progress. In both fast-growing and developed economies, reliable access to communication networks drives innovation, security, and development. This is especially evident in Indonesia, a country made up of more than 17,000 islands, where large parts of the population still lack access to cellular infrastructure. The widening divide between those who are connected and those who aren't is holding back the digital economy. In many areas, satellite connectivity has emerged as the only realistic solution to close that gap and bring critical digital services to underserved communities.

Indonesia’s digital landscape

Indonesia represents a unique paradox: a booming digital economy valued at USD 130 billion by 2025 on one hand, and over 73 million people still without internet access on the other. Its geography and demography underscore the complexity. Island clusters, mountainous terrains, and remote coastlines render traditional terrestrial infrastructure both impractical and expensive to deploy. In these circumstances, satellite communications, especially multi-orbit architectures combining GEO and LEO networks, emerge as the most scalable, resilient, and inclusive solution.

Partnerships pave way for digital inclusion

Indonesia’s regulatory framework is gradually evolving to accommodate next-generation satellite technologies such as LEO and HTS. While the market is becoming more open to international players, complexities remain around licensing, spectrum access, and compliance frameworks needed to keep pace with technological advancements. National strategies are increasingly aligned with digital transformation objectives, setting the stage for expanded connectivity in underserved regions.

Recent initiatives, such as the France–Indonesia Business Forum, reflect this commitment. As part of a French delegation facilitated by Business France, IEC Telecom engaged in high-level discussions with local stakeholders to explore pathways for accelerating digital inclusion across the Indonesian archipelago. The forum underscored the strategic importance of public-private partnerships in realising the country's connectivity ambitions.

Resilience of satellite infrastructure

Sitting on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country is vulnerable to frequent earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. Such disasters can dismantle terrestrial networks within moments, whereas satellite systems can maintain continuity and provide essential communication links for disaster relief agencies and first responders. In 2023 alone, natural disasters caused global losses of USD 250 billion, with telecom infrastructure often among the first to be impacted.

Unlocking essential public services

The benefits of inclusive connectivity extend across sectors. Education gains a foothold through virtual classrooms, bringing learning opportunities to thousands of schools previously off the grid. Healthcare is transformed through telemedicine, enabling remote diagnostics and specialist consultations in areas with limited medical infrastructure. Emergency response teams benefit from uninterrupted communications, ensuring coordination during high-stakes missions.

New technologies reshape remote and maritime sectors

At the same time, emerging technologies are pushing the frontier of what’s possible. LEO constellations like Starlink are bringing LTE-like speeds to ships and inland remote facilities. These solutions are increasingly replacing or augmenting GSM networks, particularly in eastern Indonesian regions like Maluku and Papua, where 2G and 3G networks are still common. Businesses are leveraging these developments to ensure continuity across industries, from banking and retail to oil & gas, even in the absence of terrestrial infrastructure.

With nearly 90% of global goods transported by sea, the integration of digital tools onboard vessels is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Indonesia’s maritime sector contributes approximately 7% to the national GDP and forms the logistical backbone of the economy. Yet, much of the sector remains largely unconnected. Digitalisation in shipping enables predictive maintenance, real-time navigational updates, remote diagnostics, and access to telemedicine services, all critical for vessels operating days or even weeks away from land. This growing reliance on digital operations introduces associated risks.

Cyber threats are no longer confined to land-based infrastructure; the maritime sector, in particular, faces growing risks as digital piracy becomes as significant as physical threats. These environments are increasingly vulnerable to attacks ranging from malware to GPS spoofing. Advanced network management platforms play a vital role in mitigating these threats by segregating operational and crew traffic, detecting anomalies in real time, and enforcing strict policy controls.

Building a connected future

Rising global demand for uninterrupted connectivity is matched by the growing complexity of delivering it, especially in remote or mobile environments. In response, hybrid systems that integrate LEO, GEO, and GSM networks are quickly becoming the standard. Smart network management platforms like OptiView from IEC Telecom enable operators to allocate bandwidth efficiently, control user access across fleets, and optimise application performance, even under constrained conditions.

In Indonesia, these technologies form the backbone of a more resilient and inclusive digital future. They support governance models that reach every corner of the archipelago, open up economic participation, and strengthen national preparedness. Realising this vision will require continued investment, agile regulation, and collaboration across sectors. With satellite connectivity as a strategic pillar, Indonesia is on a clear path to transforming digital ambition into nationwide impact.