Jakarta, ThedailyID — PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk (XLSMART) recorded a 17% increase in internet data traffic across Yogyakarta and Solo over the past year. The highest growth occurred in Sleman Regency at 32%, followed by Bantul at 28%, Yogyakarta City at 27%, Surakarta at 17%, and Boyolali at 10%.
In response, XLSMART is strengthening its fifth-generation mobile network through its 5G Blanket Coverage strategy. The initiative aims to expand access to 5G connectivity across education, tourism, trade, and other digital activities.
As of October 15, 2026, XLSMART’s 5G Blanket Coverage had reached 23 cities and regencies across Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The network is supported by more than 40,000 base transceiver stations (BTS), including over 9,600 5G BTS.
XLSMART Director and Chief Regulatory Officer Merza Fachys said rising internet traffic reflects the growing role of digital technology in people’s daily lives. He added that the company’s 5G expansion aims to improve connectivity while creating opportunities in education, tourism, small businesses, and the creative economy.
Meanwhile, Director and Chief Technology Officer Shurish Subbramaniam said the company was pursuing broader coverage rather than limiting 5G access to selected locations. The strategy also focuses on network capacity and quality to support digital activities in residential areas, educational institutions, commercial centers, transport hubs, and tourist destinations.
In Yogyakarta, students increasingly rely on internet access for hybrid learning, artificial intelligence applications, group assignments, and digital content creation. Tourists also use mobile connectivity for navigation, digital transactions, destination research, and sharing travel experiences.
In Solo, demand is growing alongside trading activities and local industries, including batik, handicrafts, culinary businesses, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Business owners use digital platforms to manage online marketplaces, promote products, communicate with customers, and conduct live-streaming sales.
Freelancers, remote workers, and content creators also depend on reliable connections for video calls, file transfers, and cloud-based applications. These activities require sufficient network capacity and low latency to deliver smoother digital experiences.
XLSMART Senior Vice President of Mobile Sales for the Yogyakarta and Central Java region, Joseph Marthinus Gultom, said the 17% growth highlights the increasing importance of connectivity in both areas. He noted that education, creativity, and tourism drive demand in Yogyakarta, while trade and MSMEs contribute significantly in Solo.
The company’s network development includes key locations such as Malioboro, Tugu Yogyakarta, Tugu Railway Station, Prambanan Temple, Jogja Expo Center, and Kridosono Stadium. In Solo, the focus includes Solo Balapan Station, Manahan Stadium, and Mangkunegaran Palace.
Across Central Java, XLSMART operates approximately 35,100 BTS, including more than 8,000 5G BTS. In Yogyakarta, the network comprises over 5,100 BTS, including more than 1,300 5G BTS.
The expansion forms part of XLSMART’s national 5G rollout, which has reached 70 cities and regencies across Indonesia. The company also plans to extend 5G Blanket Coverage to Magelang City, Magelang Regency, and Tegal City in November 2026.
Customers can access the network through services such as XL Ultra 5G+, subject to network coverage, compatible devices, and service terms. XLSMART said it would continue expanding coverage and strengthening network capacity to support education, work, entertainment, tourism, and business activities as Indonesia’s digital economy grows.
