Indonesian digital telco PT Indosat Tbk (Indosat Ooredoo) announced the launch of 5G commercial services in Balikpapan.
According to a press release from the telecommunications provider in Indonesia, the 5G technology will accelerate digital transformation in Kalimantan, especially to support the preparation of Indonesia's new capital city, Penajam Paser Utara, which is located near Balikpapan.
"This launch marks a further commitment to powering Indonesia’s 5G revolution and the final launch this year, following the previous launch in Solo, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar and entering a new chapter as enabler of Indonesia digital transformation," it said.
Deputy IV of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Dr. Ir. Mohammad Rudy Salahuddin, MEM, said, “We appreciate Indosat Ooredoo’s commitment in providing 5G commercial services in Balikpapan, as the largest city of East Kalimantan and the nearest city from Indonesia’s new capital. We hope this 5G technology will accelerate the implementation of Smart City, Smart Government, and Smart Industry to enable speedy economic recovery in the region so that it also becomes an accelerator of the national economy.”
Governor of East Kalimantan, Isran Noor, said, “We are delighted to be part of Indosat Ooredoo’s journey in revolutionizing the country using 5G transformative power. Balikpapan has a lot to offer in terms of natural resources with their huge potentials. We hope 5G technology will transform the way industries operate to drive innovations, create jobs, and boost exports. Along with Balikpapan as the gateway to the new capital, I cannot wait to witness huge digital transformation and development in the region, powered by 5G services from Indosat Ooredoo.”
According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) data, Balikpapan serves as the primary city of East Kalimantan with manufacturing industries as the main driver of the economy. The manufacturing sector accounted for 47% of Gross Regional Domestic Product in 2020, while marine fishery becomes the major contributor in the agricultural sector.
Coinciding with the launch of 5G commercial services in Balikpapan, Indosat Ooredoo and Kalimantan Institute of Technology (ITK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which marks a joint commitment to strengthen the education sector leveraging the advantages of 5G technology.