The Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is accelerating efforts to ensure equitable internet access across the region, with significant support sought from the central government. This aspiration was expressed by NTB’s Deputy Governor, Indah Dhamayanti Putri, during a coordination meeting on enhancing internet connectivity to achieve equal digital access in the province. The meeting was organized by the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs and held at Hotel Lombok Astoria on Wednesday, October 9.
“During your visit with the ministry’s officials, we hope this will be a step towards resolving this issue. We wish to see progress not only on Lombok Island but also equal attention and development in all ten districts and cities,” stated the Deputy Governor.
To strengthen digital connectivity, the NTB Provincial Government continues to promote the construction of Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and fiber optic networks in collaboration with telecommunications operators. Additionally, local authorities are developing a digital ecosystem through initiatives such as the Smart Village program, e-Government, UMKM Go Digital, and providing digital literacy training for the community. These steps are supported by regional regulations and policies that expedite digital transformation.
Deputy Governor Putri emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral coordination for expanding internet connectivity. “This involves national programs and expanding strategic partnerships with the private sector, along with support from academics and research institutions in planning based on real data and needs on the ground. In the future, NTB will become more digitally connected, inclusive, and capable of optimizing regional potential through information and communication technology,” she concluded.
