Jakarta, December 22, 2025 — Satellites have become invisible digital infrastructure that sustains communication and modern digital services across the globe. Thousands of satellites of various sizes orbit the Earth every day, performing diverse functions from delivering television broadcasts, supporting navigation, enabling communication, bridging connectivity gaps in remote areas, to facilitating weather forecasting.

Natural satellites such as the Moon, as well as artificial satellites, are objects that orbit a larger body based on gravitational principles that keep them in their paths or orbits. Artificial satellites, equipped with various technologies, perform multiple functions to support human activities, including communication for maritime services, agriculture, disaster management, defense, national security, and many other sectors. Thus, satellites serve as supporting infrastructure underlying many modern services, including the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) in hard-to-reach areas.

For an archipelagic country like Indonesia, with a combined land and maritime area of 6.4 million km² and approximately 17,000 islands, satellites have become a strategic necessity. The presence of satellite infrastructure in Indonesia’s skies is essential to ensure equitable connectivity, safeguard national data sovereignty, and support the resilience of the national information system.

As a subsidiary of PT Telkom Indonesia engaged in national satellite management, PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat) is committed to strengthening Indonesia’s digital connectivity. This commitment is realized through efforts to bridge connectivity gaps in remote areas, ensuring access to digital information while promoting equal connectivity services across regions.

Through the operation of five Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers above the Earth, along with the exploration of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations at altitudes ranging from 200 to 2,000 kilometers, Telkomsat is strengthening its service coverage across Indonesia and Asia. At the same time, the company continues to innovate by delivering services aligned with current and future needs, such as IoT and Earth Observation (EO).

Telkomsat CEO Lukman Hakim Abd Rauf stated the company’s readiness to maintain future connectivity. “Satellite-based connectivity will remain a key element in the national network architecture, particularly in ensuring reliable communication in remote areas and supporting strategic national needs. Telkomsat remains committed to delivering inclusive and sustainable services for all segments of society,” said Lukman.

As global digital transformation continues to evolve, satellite technology is no longer seen merely as a present-day connectivity solution, but as a strategic foundation for the future of the national digital ecosystem. The increasing demand for data-driven services, cross-sector connectivity, and real-time communication requires infrastructure that is adaptive, resilient, and sustainable. In this context, satellites serve as the backbone enabling the integration of future technologies, particularly in geographically challenging areas.

Entering 2026, Telkomsat has prepared strategic steps to address these challenges through strengthening technological capabilities, operational readiness, and the development of a multi-orbit service portfolio. These efforts include optimizing existing GEO services, developing the LEO ecosystem, and preparing next-generation services to support future national needs. With these initiatives, Telkomsat reinforces its role as a key driver of sustainable digital connectivity in Indonesia.

Lukman Hakim Abd Rauf emphasized that satellites play a crucial role in realizing digital sovereignty and ensuring equitable national connectivity. “Based on various data, there are still areas in Indonesia classified as low-signal or blank spots. However, these conditions can be gradually addressed through satellite technology, particularly in supporting natural resource monitoring, disaster mitigation, and independent maritime management,” he explained.

Indonesia’s geographical position located at the convergence of three active tectonic plates and between two continents and two oceans makes the country, with a population of approximately 286.7 million, highly vulnerable to natural disasters. In emergency situations, satellites serve as the backbone of communication and monitoring when terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable or disrupted.

This strategic role enables faster emergency response coordination, more targeted aid distribution, and real-time disaster impact monitoring. Therefore, satellites are key to ensuring equitable access to information while promoting inclusive and sustainable digital connectivity across the nation.

#DiscoverNewHorizons