Public-private partnership in widening Indonesia’s internet access with the Palapa Ring Project

https://doi.org/10.35912/jgas.v5i2.2954
Published: Jul 23, 2025

Abstract:

Purpose: This study analyzes how well the Palapa Ring project helps provide equal Internet access across Indonesia, especially in the 3T (Frontier, Outermost, and Disadvantaged) regions. It aims to understand the role of policies and regulations in supporting the project's success and ensuring that all citizens have fair access to digital connectivity.

Methods: This study used a normative-juridical method with a qualitative approach. It analyzes the laws and policies related to the Palapa Ring Project. Data were collected by reviewing legal documents, government policy reports and academic writings. No field surveys or specific software were used, only a literature review.

Results: The study found that The Palapa Ring project has helped expand Internet access in 3T regions through cross-sector collaboration. However, there are still problems related to regulations and supervision that need to be improved to keep the project effective and trustworthy.

Conclusion: The project has made progress in increasing digital access in remote areas; however, stronger regulations and better oversight are necessary to maintain and improve its impact.

Limitations: This study is limited to analyzing documents and policies; it does not include direct field observations or interviews, which may limit practical insights.

Contributions: This study contributes to the discussions on digital equity, public policy, and infrastructure development. This is useful for policymakers, government agencies, researchers, and organizations working on digital transformation, especially in developing countries or underserved regions.

Keywords:
1. Governance and Telecommunication Infrastructure
2. Internet Access
3. Policy Accountability
Authors:
1 . Richard Angelo Nathaniel Taulu
Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
2 . Teguh Kurniawan
Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
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How to Cite
Taulu, R. A. N. ., & Kurniawan, T. (2025). Public-private partnership in widening Indonesia’s internet access with the Palapa Ring Project . Journal of Governance and Accountability Studies, 5(2), 143–156. https://doi.org/10.35912/jgas.v5i2.2954
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Issue & Section
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): July
Articles
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References

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    Andi Ilham, A. (2023). Rural Digital Transformation in Indonesia: A Policy Analysis. Journal of Propulsion Technology, 44(4), 3402-3416. doi:https://doi.org/10.52783/tjjpt.v44.i4.1476

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    Apnitami, P., & Wibisono, G. (2023). The Impact Evaluation of the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) Universal Service Obligation (USO) Project in the Remote, Frontier, And Outermost (3T) Area on Bridging Indonesia’s Digital Divide Using Difference-in-Difference Model. Jurnal Studi Komunikasi dan Media, 27(1), 1-16. doi:https://doi.org/10.17933/jskm.2023.5131

    Börzel, T. A. (2020). Multilevel governance or multilevel government? The British Journal of Politics and International Relations, 22(4), 776-783. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1369148120939872

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    Cheong, H.-i., Lyons, A., Houghton, R., & Majumdar, A. (2023). Secondary Qualitative Research Methodology Using Online Data Within The Context of Social Sciences. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 22, 1-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069231180160

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    Fakrulloh, Z. A. (2024). Dynamics of Legal Framework for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Infrastructure Provision. Cognitionis Civitatis et Politicae, 1(5), 248-266. doi:https://doi.org/10.70177/politicae.v1i5.1631

    Hargittai, E., Piper, A. M., & Morris, M. R. (2019). From Internet Access to Internet Skills: Digital Inequality Among Older Adults. Universal access in the information society, 18(4), 881-890. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-018-0617-5

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  1. Abdel?Basset, M., Manogaran, G., Mohamed, M., & Rushdy, E. (2019). Internet Of Things In Smart Education Environment: Supportive Framework In The Decision?Making Process. Concurrency and Computation: Practice and Experience, 31(10), 1-12. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/cpe.4515
  2. Andi Ilham, A. (2023). Rural Digital Transformation in Indonesia: A Policy Analysis. Journal of Propulsion Technology, 44(4), 3402-3416. doi:https://doi.org/10.52783/tjjpt.v44.i4.1476
  3. APJII. (2025). Indonesia Internet Penetration Survey 2024. Retrieved from https://survei.apjii.or.id/
  4. Apnitami, P., & Wibisono, G. (2023). The Impact Evaluation of the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) Universal Service Obligation (USO) Project in the Remote, Frontier, And Outermost (3T) Area on Bridging Indonesia’s Digital Divide Using Difference-in-Difference Model. Jurnal Studi Komunikasi dan Media, 27(1), 1-16. doi:https://doi.org/10.17933/jskm.2023.5131
  5. Börzel, T. A. (2020). Multilevel governance or multilevel government? The British Journal of Politics and International Relations, 22(4), 776-783. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1369148120939872
  6. BPS. (2021). Statistik Telekomunikasi Indonesia 2021. Retrieved from Jakarta: https://www.bps.go.id/id/publication/2022/09/07/bcc820e694c537ed3ec131b9/statistik-telekomunikasi-indonesia-2021.html
  7. Cheong, H.-i., Lyons, A., Houghton, R., & Majumdar, A. (2023). Secondary Qualitative Research Methodology Using Online Data Within The Context of Social Sciences. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 22, 1-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069231180160
  8. Endriyono, E., Gunarto, T., & Murwiati, A. (2025). Measuring the Achievements of Smart Economics in the Smart Village Program in Lampung Province 2020-2024. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic Business Studies, 2(4), 543-560. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomabs.v2i4.3187
  9. Fakrulloh, Z. A. (2024). Dynamics of Legal Framework for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Infrastructure Provision. Cognitionis Civitatis et Politicae, 1(5), 248-266. doi:https://doi.org/10.70177/politicae.v1i5.1631
  10. Hargittai, E., Piper, A. M., & Morris, M. R. (2019). From Internet Access to Internet Skills: Digital Inequality Among Older Adults. Universal access in the information society, 18(4), 881-890. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-018-0617-5
  11. Howlett, M. (2023). Designing Public Policies: Principles and Instruments. London: Routledge.
  12. Király, O., Potenza, M. N., Stein, D. J., King, D. L., Hodgins, D. C., Saunders, J. B., . . . Brand, M. (2020). Preventing Problematic Internet Use During The Covid-19 Pandemic: Consensus Guidance. Comprehensive psychiatry, 100, 1-4. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2020.152180
  13. Klijn, E. H., & Koppenjan, J. (2014). Complexity in Governance Network Theory. Complexity, Governance & Networks, 1(1), 61-70. doi:https://doi.org/10.7564/14-cgn8
  14. Komdigi. (2019). Buku Pintar Palapa Ring. Jakarta: Badan Aksesibilitas Telekomunikasi dan Informatika (BAKTI), Kementerian Komunikasi dan Digital.
  15. Kumar, S., Tiwari, P., & Zymbler, M. (2019). Internet of Things is a Revolutionary Approach for Future Technology Enhancement: A Review. Journal of Big data, 6(1), 1-21. doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40537-019-0268-2
  16. Kurniawan, W., Endarto, B., Prasetyo, I., Aliyyah, N., Helmi, R., Indriastuti, D. E., & Kalbuana, N. (2021). The Role of Law in Public Private Partnership: Indonesia. Journal of Management Information and Decision Sciences, 24(6), 1-11. doi:https://doi.org/10.7176/JLPG/115-12
  17. Meydan, C. H., & Akka?, H. (2024). The Role of Triangulation in Qualitative Research: Converging Perspectives Principles of conducting qualitative research in multicultural settings (pp. 98-129): IGI Global.
  18. Morgan, H. (2022). Conducting a Qualitative Document Analysis. The Qualitative Report, 27(1), 64-77. doi:https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2022.5044
  19. Nugroho, C. (2023). Unlocking Indonesia’s Digital Potential: The Role of Broadband Infrastructure in Economic Growth (ERIA Discussion Paper Series No. 2023-05). Retrieved from
  20. Pratama, M. N. (2023). Inovasi Pelayanan Publik Pada Bidang Pendidikan di Daerah Tertinggal, Terdepan, dan Terluar (3T). Administratie: Jurnal Administrasi Publik, 5(1), 35-44.
  21. Radjamin, I. P., & Hermawan, J. (2024). Hubungan Antara Pengguna Internet, Produk Domestik Bruto Per Kapita dan Tingkat Ketenagakerjaan Dalam Perspektif E-Commerce. Jurnal Ilmiah Manajemen, Ekonomi, & Akuntansi (MEA), 8(2), 160-169. doi:https://doi.org/10.31955/mea.v8i2.4020
  22. Reglitz, M. (2020). The Human Right to Free Internet Access. Journal of Applied Philosophy, 37(2), 314-331. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/japp.12395
  23. Riwukore, J. R., Marnisah, L., Habaora, F. H. F., & Yustini, T. (2022). Implementation of One Indonesian Data by the Central Statistics Agency of East Nusa Tenggara Province. Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik, 1(2), 117-128. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jasispol.v1i2.1194
  24. Shan, S., Li, Y., Su, J., Yang, Y., Wang, Y., & Wang, Z. (2025). Why Does the US Dominate the Digital Economy? A Strategic Analysis Based on the Policy–Coordination–Talent Framework and the Policy Implications for China. Systems, 13(5), 1-37. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13050392
  25. Sihombing, P. (2024). Guaranteeing Adherence to Human Rights Standards in Infrastructure Projects: A Legal Examination of the National Strategy for Business and Human Rights in Indonesia’s Public-Private Partnership Legal Framework. Indonesian Law Journal, 17(2), 166-182. doi:https://doi.org/10.33331/ilj.v17i2.154
  26. Siswantoro. (2023). Dampak Akses Internet Terhadap Pembangunan Ekonomi di Jawa Barat Sebelum dan Selama Pandemi Covid-19. CR Journal, 9(1), 59-72.