Digital services for government employees
The agreement is formally titled "Fasilitasi dan Pemanfaatan Layanan Digital" (Facilitation and Utilization of Digital Services), according to ANTARA's Indonesian-language report on the signing.
Rusli thanked the management of PT Telekomunikasi Selular, known as Telkomsel, for its initiative and cooperation. Speaking after the ceremony, he said digital services should give civil servants, known as ASN, greater flexibility in their work while making coordination across district agencies more integrated and efficient.
The partnership provides a framework for government employees to collaborate digitally in an organized, secure manner, with clear communication and in compliance with regulations. It is intended to help them use modern digital services more effectively and efficiently, improving productivity and public service performance.
Rusli called for the agreement to lead to effective, sustained implementation rather than end with the signing of documents. He also expressed hope that the two sides would explore further digital cooperation. The broader aim is more effective government that can adapt to technological change, in keeping with Kotabaru Hebat's values of harmony, energy, unity, trustworthiness and resilience.
Earlier discussions addressed coverage gaps
The signing followed a September 17, 2026, meeting between district officials and Telkomsel at the regent's office. According to Kotabaru's Communication and Informatics Office, or Diskominfo, those talks focused on strengthening telecommunications networks and building Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) in places with weak signals or no coverage.
Rusli attributed the lack of coverage in many villages to Kotabaru's mountainous terrain and islands, saying the gaps made communication difficult for residents and officials. He urged Telkomsel to strengthen its presence and signal coverage, particularly as a new government office center was being developed.
He asked Diskominfo to work with Telkomsel on planning and coordinating tower construction and signal improvements.
Other proposals raised in September
At the September meeting, Muhammad Fatahillah, representing Telkomsel Batulicin-Kotabaru, outlined four possible areas of cooperation. These included support for the Koperasi Merah Putih program through vouchers and other telecommunications needs, as well as a digital school platform that schools could use free of charge.
The other proposals were packages for civil servants and services to support the handling of forest and land fires, known as karhutla.
