Jakarta. The Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry (Komdigi)  aims to raise the country's average internet speed to 100 megabits per second (Mbps) within the next two years by expanding digital infrastructure and improving affordable internet access in underserved areas.

According to Ookla's Speedtest Global Index for May, Indonesia ranked 74th out of 101 countries for mobile internet speeds at 62.54 Mbps, down four places from 70th in April.

The country also slipped in the fixed broadband rankings, falling to 117th from 114th among 149 countries, with average download speeds remaining at 47.10 Mbps.

Deputy Minister Nezar Patria said reliable internet access has become a basic necessity, prompting the government to accelerate connectivity nationwide while supporting Indonesia's fast-growing digital economy.

"We are committed to achieving an average internet speed of 100 Mbps nationwide at a more affordable price within the next two years," Nezar said in a statement released Sunday.

To meet that target, Komdigi plans to encourage telecommunications operators to increase investment in network infrastructure, including expanding fiber-optic networks, strengthening fixed broadband services and utilizing satellite technology to reach underserved and remote areas.

"We are also encouraging cellular operators and telecommunications companies to increase their capital expenditure so they can expand services to remote regions," Nezar said. "The goal is to provide more affordable internet access with better service quality."

He acknowledged that expanding internet access remains one of the government's biggest challenges. Despite continued investment in digital infrastructure, areas with weak or no signal coverage—including parts of Java, Indonesia's most populous island—still exist.

"We have to close the infrastructure and connectivity gap, including addressing areas that remain blank spots," Nezar said, adding that recent disaster responses have highlighted the importance of restoring telecommunications networks alongside delivering emergency aid.

According to the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII), the number of internet users rose 1.06% year-on-year to 235.2 million in 2026, equivalent to about 82% of Indonesia's population, with most users concentrated on Java.

The survey found that 19.9% of respondents primarily use the internet for communication and social networking, 19.7% for digital entertainment, and 19.6% for accessing information and news.

Another 18.7% use the internet for e-commerce and online services, 10.9% for education and work, 5.8% for financial services, and 4.5% for public and government services.

Despite rising internet penetration, significant barriers remain. APJII reported that 34% of respondents who are not online said they do not own an internet-enabled device, while 31.5% cited a lack of digital skills.

Another 17.2% said mobile data costs remain too expensive, 12.9% said they see little benefit from using the internet, and 1.3% cited physical disabilities as the main barrier to internet access.