A 2026 study by Wiranto Yoga Pratama, Saprudin,
and Agus Suarman Sudarsa from Universitas Djuanda finds that Village-Owned
Enterprises, or BUMDes, are playing a decisive role in expanding internet
access in Batang Asai District, Sarolangun Regency. Published in the International
Journal of Applied Research and Sustainable Sciences, the research shows how
collaborative “network governance” enables rural communities to manage their
own internet services through locally adapted WiFi systems. The findings matter
as Indonesia accelerates digital transformation while many villages still
struggle with limited infrastructure and connectivity gaps.
The article, titled “Implementation of Network Governance in the Development of Internet Network Business Units in Bumdes in Batang Asai District, Sarolangun Regency,” highlights how local governance innovation can bridge the digital divide in remote regions of Jambi Province.
Why Rural Internet Access Matters
Indonesia’s digital economy continues to grow
rapidly, but access remains uneven. Urban areas benefit from fiber optic
networks and competitive service providers, while many rural districts face
unstable electricity, difficult geography, and limited commercial interest from
private telecom companies.
Batang Asai District, located in Sarolangun
Regency, covers 858 square kilometers and is characterized by dispersed
settlements and challenging terrain. According to regional data cited in the
study, Sarolangun Regency had a population of 290,231 in 2017, with Batang Asai
contributing more than 17,000 residents. For communities in such areas,
affordable internet access is not just a convenience. It supports education,
small businesses, digital government services, agriculture, and healthcare.
The researchers argue that BUMDes—village-owned enterprises established to strengthen local economies—can act as community-based internet service providers. Instead of waiting for large telecom operators, villages can build and manage their own small-scale networks.
How the Research Was Conducted
The study used a qualitative research design.
Wiranto Yoga Pratama and his colleagues conducted in-depth interviews with
village officials, BUMDes managers, community members, and related
stakeholders. They also reviewed official documents and field reports.
Rather than using statistical modeling, the
researchers focused on understanding how the system works in practice: how
decisions are made, how responsibilities are shared, and how challenges are
handled. The analysis examined governance patterns, collaboration mechanisms,
and sustainability strategies.
Key Findings: Collaboration
Drives Success
The research identifies several core findings:
- RT/RW
Net Model Fits Rural Conditions
BUMDes in Batang Asai implemented an RT/RW Net or village WiFi model. This small-scale network system uses access points and local distribution equipment, making it more flexible and affordable than building large towers or full fiber infrastructure. - Network
Governance in Action
Internet services are managed through collaboration between: - The
village government (policy support and facilitation)
- BUMDes
managers (technical and operational management)
- Community
members (users and contributors)
- External
internet service providers (upstream connectivity)
This shared structure reflects a network governance
approach, where multiple actors coordinate rather than relying on a single
authority.
- Strong
Community Participation
Residents contribute by paying subscription fees and providing feedback on service quality. This involvement builds a sense of ownership and strengthens business sustainability. - Digital
Empowerment Beyond Connectivity
BUMDes also conduct digital literacy outreach, especially for students and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The goal is to encourage productive internet use, including online marketing and digital transactions.
Major Challenges Remain
Despite progress, the study highlights structural constraints:
- Unstable
Electricity Supply
Frequent power disruptions, particularly during the rainy season, affect network reliability and risk equipment damage. - Limited
Technical Capacity
Some BUMDes managers lack advanced technical training, limiting their ability to troubleshoot complex issues. - Competition
from Private WiFi Operators
Independent individual WiFi services have emerged, increasing competition and potentially affecting BUMDes revenue stability.
The researchers emphasize that governance collaboration alone is not enough. Infrastructure reliability and human resource development are equally essential.
Real-World Impact and Policy
Implications
The findings suggest that BUMDes-led internet
services can:
- Accelerate
digitalization of village administration
- Expand
access to online education and telehealth
- Support
e-commerce for local products
- Increase
village-generated revenue
- Strengthen
rural economic resilience
For policymakers, the study underscores the need
for:
- Investment
in stable rural electricity infrastructure
- Technical
training programs for BUMDes managers
- Cross-sector
partnerships between local governments and internet providers
- Clear
regulatory support for village-based digital enterprises
“Community involvement is not merely complementary
but central to service sustainability,” the authors write, emphasizing that
empowerment-based governance positions villagers as active managers, not
passive beneficiaries.
According to Wiranto Yoga Pratama of Universitas Djuanda, strengthening institutional capacity and digital literacy is as important as expanding infrastructure. Without human resource development, technological investment alone cannot ensure long-term success.
Toward Independent Digital
Villages
The Batang Asai case demonstrates that
village-level innovation can complement national digital strategies. By
adopting adaptive management practices and continuous evaluation, BUMDes show
characteristics of learning organizations capable of adjusting to technological
and social change.
The research concludes that with stronger institutional
support, improved electricity reliability, and sustained community
participation, BUMDes can become key drivers of inclusive digital villages in
Indonesia.
As Indonesia advances toward broader digital transformation, models like the one in Batang Asai illustrate how rural communities can take ownership of their connectivity future.
Source
Pratama,
Wiranto Yoga; Saprudin; Sudarsa, Agus Suarman.
“Implementation of Network Governance in the Development of Internet Network
Business Units in Bumdes in Batang Asai District, Sarolangun Regency.”
International
Journal of Applied Research and Sustainable Sciences (IJARSS), Vol. 4 No. 2, 2026.
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