BALIKPAPAN, AUGUST 8, 2024. Nusantara Capital City (IKN) as the new center of government is set to begin operations soon. The government has also announced plans to host the 79th Indonesian Independence Day ceremony on August 17, 2024, at the site. To support this, PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) continues to enhance network quality in the IKN area, following the traffic increase, which has reached over 300% in the past year.
I Gede Darmayusa, Direktur & Chief Technology Officer XL Axiata, said, “In the past year, construction activities in the IKN area have intensified daily. This has contributed to a traffic increase for XL Axiata, reaching over 300%. In addition to prioritizing network quality improvements within the IKN area, we are also enhancing network quality at key infrastructure and supporting facility construction sites, including toll roads, airports, hospitals, hotels, and other essential facilities, in partnership with the IKN Authority.”
I Gede Darmayusa further explained that, to facilitate and support the success of the 79th Independence Day ceremony at IKN, XL Axiata has specifically strengthened its network by adding three Mobile BTS (MBTS) units. These units have been strategically positioned around the ceremony location in collaboration with the IKN Authority. Earlier, XL Axiata had already installed four MBTS units within the IKN construction project area. XL Axiata has also established three BTS and added two Macro BTS, including an indoor network at the Swissotel Nusantara. In total, XL Axiata now operates 12 BTS in the IKN ring 1 area.
Looking ahead, as service traffic and demand in IKN continue to rise, XL Axiata plans to further enhance its network capacity and infrastructure. As IKN becomes fully operational, with increasing numbers of people working and living there, XL Axiata must provide adequate networks to ensure customer convenience and ease in using XL Axiata services #JadiLebihBaik. To build and maintain the necessary network infrastructure, XL Axiata is working closely with the IKN Authority
For the IKN buffer zones, as of the end of June 2024, XL Axiata's network is supported by approximately 500 BTS, the majority of which are 4G BTS. These buffer zones cover areas in Kutai Kartanegara Regency and North Penajam Paser Regency, both of which are within the IKN region. Within the core IKN area, there are over 150 BTS, primarily 4G BTS, distributed across four sub-districts: Loajanan, Muara Jawa, Semboja, and Sepaku.
Moreover, XL Axiata is continuing to strengthen its network by adding more BTS and expanding network capacity in IKN buffer cities like Balikpapan and Samarinda. In Balikpapan, XL Axiata operates over 570 BTS, mostly 4G BTS, while in Samarinda, the number is close to 600 BTS, with the majority being 4G BTS.
Furthermore, XL Axiata's fiber optic network is fully prepared to assist the government in delivering telecommunications and high-speed internet services in IKN. XL Axiata has also been operating the Batam-Sarawak Submarine Cable System (SKKL), which spans 120 km, linking Malaysia and Indonesia through Entikong and Pontianak. This infrastructure enhances internet connectivity between Batam, Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi, offering faster and more reliable performance and lower latency. The system has been in operation since June 1, 2022.
This optical cable network also serves as a new international gateway for Indonesia, providing alternative routes to Kuching, Sarawak, and Hong Kong, and improving the diversity and reliability of connections to various POP/HUBs in Asia. For XL Axiata, this infrastructure is essential for accommodating future data traffic growth and ensuring a high-quality network, thereby delivering the best service to customers.
Customer Service in the IKN Region
In addition to enhancing network quality, XL Axiata is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service in the IKN region. The company offers multiple customer service channels, such as the XL Center Online and digital services. These channels are accessible to customers at any time and from any location, including IKN, and are available online and in real-time. The XL Center Online can be reached through the website: www.xl.co.id/xlcenter.
For in-person assistance, customers and the public can visit the nearest XL Center outlets. The closest XL Center outlets to the IKN region are located in Balikpapan, at the BSB Shop Complex on Jalan Jendral Sudirman, and in Samarinda, on Jalan Bhayangkara.
"The XL Center and retail outlets are designed to offer convenience and fulfill the communication needs of both customers and the public in the IKN area," stated Sarroso Dwi Panggah, Caretaker of XL Axiata Kalimantan Area.
Residents and customers in IKN can also access services through XL Axiata's retail outlet (RO) partners. There are over 400 RO locations across Kutai Kartanegara Regency and North Penajam Paser Regency. In the two IKN buffer cities, Balikpapan has more than 440 ROs, and Samarinda has nearly 500 ROs.
Additionally, XL Axiata has a specialized team to manage customer service and handle complaints through its Contact Center. This team ensures that customers in IKN receive excellent support via the Call Center and Digital Care Maya services on the myXL and AXISnet apps. Customers can also reach out through digital channels like email, Facebook, Instagram, and live chat, with services available 24/7.