Limited access to digital connectivity and skills remains a challenge for coastal communities seeking to use weather information, develop their fishing businesses, and explore new markets for their catch. To address these needs, PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk (XLSMART), through its Teman Pintar Indonesia Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, has introduced the Gerakan Donasi Kuota (GDK) connectivity initiative and Kelas Cerdas Digital (KCD) digital literacy training to support fishing communities in coastal Batam. Through GDK, XLSMART has distributed 10 connectivity support packages to 10 fishing communities, complemented by digital education to help them use technology for fishing activities and more productive economic opportunities.

 

Through these initiatives, XLSMART provides not only internet connectivity support, including routers and internet access, but also digital knowledge to help coastal communities access and use relevant information in their fishing activities. As part of this effort, the online Kelas Cerdas Digital session titled “Nelayan Cerdas Digital: Maximizing Internet Access for Safer and More Productive Fishing” was held on October 30, 2026, with 69 participants, including representatives from Batam’s coastal fishing communities. The initiative reflects XLSMART’s CSR commitment to expanding the benefits of connectivity through digital inclusion, digital literacy, and coastal community empowerment.

 

 

How Can Internet Access Support Safer and More Productive Fishing?

 

For fishing communities, the sea is an essential source of livelihood, with daily activities influenced by weather conditions, access to information, and market opportunities.

 

As digital technology becomes more accessible, internet connectivity can help fishermen obtain relevant information before heading out to sea and while managing their fishing activities.

 

One important benefit is the ability to access maritime weather forecasts and wave information through Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). This information can support decisions before fishing trips, alongside actual conditions at sea and safety guidance issued by the relevant authorities.

 

Beyond weather information, internet connectivity can help fishermen explore market prices, communicate with fish collectors and potential buyers, and introduce their catch through digital communication platforms such as WhatsApp.

 

Digital technology is also becoming more widely used in the fisheries sector, including government-supported services for recording and reporting fishing activities.

 

However, connectivity alone is not enough. Fishing communities also need digital knowledge and practical skills to identify reliable information, use relevant services, and apply technology safely and productively.

 

 

XLSMART’s Gerakan Donasi Kuota Supports 10 Fishing Communities in Batam

 

To expand digital access in coastal areas, XLSMART, through Gerakan Donasi Kuota (GDK), has distributed 10 connectivity support packages to 10 fishing communities in coastal Batam.

 

The packages include routers and internet access support, helping communities obtain information and communicate through digital services.

 

This connectivity support is intended to make it easier for fishermen to access weather information, explore digital services related to the fisheries sector, and identify opportunities to market their catch.

 

Through the initiative, XLSMART aims to extend the benefits of internet connectivity beyond basic communication, supporting knowledge development and productive activities among coastal communities.

 

 

Kelas Cerdas Digital: Turning Connectivity into Digital Skills

 

Complementing its connectivity support, XLSMART organized the online Kelas Cerdas Digital (KCD) session titled “Nelayan Cerdas Digital: Maximizing Internet Access for Safer and More Productive Fishing” on October 30, 2026.

 

The session brought together 69 participants, including representatives from coastal fishing communities in Batam, in collaboration with the Batam City Fisheries Office and with support from Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP).

 

The webinar provided insights into digital transformation in the fisheries sector, the development of the Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih initiative, and KKP’s digital services supporting capture fisheries activities.

 

Participants also explored how internet access can help them obtain weather and maritime safety information, access relevant fisheries services, and identify opportunities to market their catch through digital channels.

 

The session complemented the connectivity support already provided. By understanding the practical benefits of digital technology, fishing communities are expected to become better equipped to apply digital skills according to their needs and circumstances.

 

 

XLSMART Advances Coastal Community Empowerment Through Digital Inclusion

 

Supporting coastal communities requires more than providing internet access. Opportunities to gain knowledge, build practical skills, and understand how technology can support everyday activities are equally important to meaningful community empowerment.

 

The Gerakan Donasi Kuota and Kelas Cerdas Digital initiatives also form part of XLSMART’s CSR commitment as a holder of the Marine Spatial Utilization Conformity Approval (PKKPRL) for the CANDLE Submarine Cable Communication System (SKKL), supporting the empowerment of coastal communities.

 

By combining connectivity support with digital literacy education, XLSMART aims to help fishing communities expand access to knowledge and explore opportunities to use technology in their economic activities.

 

For XLSMART, meaningful connectivity goes beyond connecting people to the internet. It is about helping transform digital access into knowledge, skills, and opportunities that can support a better future for Indonesian communities.