BATAM, JULY 2, 2024. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) provided internet coverage on numerous remote islands in the Riau Islands Province (Kepri). Currently, residents of approximately 40 islands in this archipelago province can access XL Axiata's internet services for various productive purposes. There are more than 1,750 BTS (Base Transceiver Stations) deployed across the Riau Islands, mostly 4G-enabled. This availability of internet services underscores XL Axiata's commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at equalizing data services and fostering the digital economy in remote regions. Across the Riau Islands, XL Axiata's 4G network now spans at least 395 villages/wards, 46 sub-districts, and 7 regencies.
XL Axiata's Director & Chief Technology Officer, I Gede Darmayusa, stated, "XL Axiata will continue to enhance internet services in remote areas, including small islands in various provinces. Establishing strong networks and data services in remote regions will narrow the digitalization gap with urban areas, enabling local residents to access diverse digital services and remain productive and competitive. This approach facilitates targeted development according to local needs. Furthermore, the strong data and internet services in the Riau Islands hold significant strategic value for the nation's resilience and sovereignty, given its nearby location to Singapore and Malaysia."
Gede further stated that over the past 2 years in Riau Islands, XL Axiata has enhanced internet service quality by installing nearly 200 BTS, with over 1,000 BTS upgraded to #JadiLebihBaik. Ongoing efforts focus on expanding and improving networks, particularly in the Anambas Islands, Bintan Islands, and Karimun Islands. For the last 2 years, data traffic throughout the Riau Islands has risen by 11%.
The following islands are now covered by XL Axiata's 4G network: Bintan Island, Kelong Island, Mantang Island, Numbing Island, Pengujan Island, Tambelan Island, Buru Island, Combol Island, Durai Island, Kundur Island, Sanglang Besar Island, Lower Sugi, Tanjung Balai Karimun Island, Ungar Island, Air Asuk Island, Anambas Island, Impul Island, Jemaja Island, Kanan Island, Mengkait Island, Mubur Island, Siantan Island, Lingga Island, Selayar Island, Singkep Island, Natuna Island, Subi Island Kecil, Batam Island, Belakang Padang Island, Bulan Island, Batam Buluh Island, Galang Island, Kasu Island, Nipa Island, Pemping Island, Rempang Island, Sekokok Island, Teluk Bakau Island, Bintan Island, and Penyengat Island.
Across the Riau Islands and neighboring islands, internet traffic is highest in Batam City, Bintan Regency, and Tanjung Pinang City. These three areas are the most populated urban centers in the Riau Islands, with a total of around 500 thousand internet users throughout the region.
"XL Axiata has made efforts to deliver quality internet services to the remote islands of the Riau Islands, supporting both #convenience and the enhancement of digital literacy within the community. Additionally, we offer affordable internet services to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to utilize the internet for productive and positive activities," Gede added.
To deliver 4G internet in these remote island areas, XL Axiata employed its own backbone connections as well as partnerships with other parties, including satellite usage.
In Sumatra, including the Riau Islands, XL Axiata served over 12 million customers, supported by more than 38 thousand BTS, most of which are 4G. XL Axiata is also continually investing in fiber networks, transmission, backhaul, network modernization, and various other network upgrades to enhance stability, network capacity, and data service quality as data traffic continues to rise.