TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Newly-inaugurated Communication and Information or Kominfo Minister Budi Arie Setiadi said he has assured President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo that the 4G base transceiver station (BTS) construction project would be completed as planned by 2023.

“There will be progress, full of surprises. Don't worry. We have told the President that I'm sure it will be complete this year,” Budi said after a meeting with the President at the Jakarta Presidential Palace today, July 25, 2023.

Budi also reported that he had met with Attorney General ST Burhanuddin regarding the project's completion. They agreed that the Attorney General's Office (AGO) would resolve legal issues surrounding the project while the construction is proceeding.

Budi claimed the Kominfo Ministry and AGO are reviewing the project, particularly the cost for each BTS tower. If it is indicated to be pricey, the ministry will conduct an evaluation to minimize potential inefficiency or state losses.

Budi could not yet reveal the remaining budget or how many BTS towers are left to be built this year as he is still waiting for the study from the ministry and the Attorney General's Office, as well as the audit results of the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP).

“[We are] optimistic [to complete the project in 2023] by cooperating with Bakti and the Attorney General's Office in assisting the BPKP in audit matters,” said Budi, mentioning Bakti that is the Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) under the auspices of the Kominfo Ministry.

Budi said the ministry would also cooperate with the Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police for the project construction in areas highly prone to security threats. “For example, in Papua, where there is a report of eight people died due to security issues. Pak President also said TNI-Police will back up [the project] in Papua regions,” he said.

Budi Arie further hoped that the project completion would not require an additional budget.

The 4G BTS project has been underway since 2006. Law enforcement officials found indications of corruption in 2020-2021, causing state losses of up to Rp8 trillion. The graft case involved the former Kominfo minister Johnny G Plate.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD said the Kominfo Bakti’s project of 4G BTS tower construction and supporting infrastructure for the 2020-2024 period has a total value reaching Rp28 trillion.

AMIRULLAH

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