In this expert piece contributed exclusively to Southeast Asia Infrastructure, Antoine Veillon, Group CEO of IEC Telecom, discusses why satellite connectivity is no longer a backup technology but a foundational requirement for national resilience and inclusive digital growth in Indonesia. He examines how cutting-edge solutions—such as LEO constellations, high-throughput satellites, and cyber-secure maritime systems—are helping bridge the country’s connectivity gap across its 17,000 islands. Veillon also outlines the importance of regulatory reform, disaster-resilient networks, and public-private partnerships in enabling Indonesia’s digital transformation. Excerpts…

Satellite communications have evolved from a backup technology to a critical enabler of growth. From emerging economies to established technology hubs, connectivity is the backbone of economic development, security, and innovation. It is particularly true for Indonesia, a vast archipelagic nation of over 17,000 islands with many regions having limited access to cellular networks. The growing gap between connected and unconnected populations poses a challenge for the digital economy and calls for urgent action, and satellite connectivity is increasingly proving to be the only viable bridge.

Indonesia’s Connectivity Paradox

Indonesia represents a unique paradox: a booming digital economy valued at USD 130 billion by 2025 on one hand, and over 73 million people still without internet access on the other. Its geography and demography underscore the complexity. Island clusters, mountainous terrains, and remote coastlines render traditional terrestrial infrastructure both impractical and expensive to deploy. In these circumstances, satellite communications, especially multi-orbit architectures combining GEO and LEO networks, emerge as the most scalable, resilient, and inclusive solution.

The Urgency of Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure

Sitting on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country is vulnerable to frequent earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. Such disasters can dismantle terrestrial networks within moments, whereas satellite systems can maintain continuity and provide essential communication links for disaster relief agencies and first responders. In 2023 alone, natural disasters caused global losses of USD 250 billion, with telecom infrastructure often among the first to be impacted.

The Power of Collaboration and Regulation

Indonesia’s regulatory framework is gradually evolving to accommodate next-generation satellite technologies such as LEO and HTS. While the market is becoming more open to international players, complexities remain around licensing, spectrum access, and compliance frameworks needed to keep pace with technological advancements. National strategies are increasingly aligned with digital transformation objectives, setting the stage for expanded connectivity in underserved regions.

Recent initiatives, such as the France–Indonesia Business Forum, reflect this commitment. As part of a French delegation facilitated by Business France, IEC Telecom engaged in high-level discussions with local stakeholders to explore pathways for accelerating digital inclusion across the Indonesian archipelago. The forum underscored the strategic importance of public-private partnerships in realising the country’s connectivity ambitions.

Emerging Technologies Unlock New Potential

At the same time, emerging technologies are pushing the frontier of what’s possible. High-throughput satellites (HTS), SATCOM-on-the-move terminals, and LEO constellations like Starlink are bringing LTE-like speeds to ships and inland remote facilities. These solutions are increasingly replacing or augmenting GSM networks, particularly in eastern Indonesian regions like Maluku and Papua, where 2G and 3G networks are still common. Businesses are leveraging these developments to ensure continuity across industries, from banking and retail to oil & gas, even in the absence of terrestrial infrastructure.

With nearly 90% of global goods transported by sea, the integration of digital tools onboard vessels is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Indonesia’s maritime sector contributes approximately 7% to the national GDP and forms the logistical backbone of the economy. Yet, much of the sector remains largely unconnected. Digitalisation in shipping enables predictive maintenance, real-time navigational updates, remote diagnostics, and access to telemedicine services, all critical for vessels operating days or even weeks away from land. This growing reliance on digital operations introduces associated risks.

Cyber threats are no longer confined to land-based infrastructure; the maritime sector, in particular, faces growing risks as digital piracy becomes as significant as physical threats. These environments are increasingly vulnerable to attacks ranging from malware to GPS spoofing. Advanced network management platforms play a vital role in mitigating these threats by segregating operational and crew traffic, detecting anomalies in real time, and enforcing strict policy controls.

Cross-Sector Impact of Satellite Connectivity

The benefits of inclusive connectivity extend across sectors. Education gains a foothold through virtual classrooms, bringing learning opportunities to thousands of schools previously off the grid. Healthcare is transformed through telemedicine, enabling remote diagnostics and specialist consultations in areas with limited medical infrastructure. Emergency response teams benefit from uninterrupted communications, ensuring coordination during high-stakes missions.

Network Management for Future-Ready Infrastructure

As the global demand for connectivity soars, the complexity of delivering uninterrupted service in remote and mobile environments has also increased. Hybrid systems, capable of switching between LEO, GEO, and GSM, are becoming the norm. Network management platforms, such as OptiView by IEC Telecom, allow operators to monitor bandwidth usage, manage access across fleets, and optimise application performance even under tight bandwidth constraints.

For Indonesia, this is the foundation for future-ready governance, equitable economic participation, and national resilience. The path forward depends on continued investment, regulatory agility, and multi-stakeholder cooperation. With satellite connectivity at its core, Indonesia is well-positioned to turn its digital potential into shared prosperity, from its most developed cities to its most isolated shores.

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For queries or any information, please contact: Namrta Bangia, Senior Director, Southeast Asia Infrastructure at namrta.bangia@southeastasiainfra.com