News Flash: Telkom, Coca Cola provide Internet access for rural libraries

State-owned telecommunications operator PT Telekomunkasi Indonesia Tbk (Telkom) and Coca Cola Foundation Indonesia (CCFI) have provided Internet access to libraries in rural areas under PerpuSeru program. 

The designated libraries are partner of PerpuSeru, one of the partnership programs jointly run by CCFI and Bill and Melinda gates Foundation (BMFG). The PerpuSeru was launched in 2011, according to telekomunitas.com.

CCFI is aware of the importance of information technology in a library. It also encourages the development of cheap Internet service for education, the website said. 

To date, PerpuSeru has covered 34 libraries in 16 provinces. They have been provided with computers and Internet access and received special training, and partnership advocacy. 

Currently, more than 5,000 library users have received training in a library with which PerpuSeru has partnered. “More than 3.5 million people have received free Internet access that helps them search for jobs or gain information about developing their business,” PerpuSeru program director Erlyn Sulistyaningsih said.

Under the collaboration program, Telkom provides free wifi access in every public library PerpuSeru through Indischool prepaid package.