Jakarta - PT Dayamitra Telekomunikasi Tbk (Mitratel) is constructing telecommunications towers using environmentally friendly materials to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company states that maintenance costs are lower and repairs are easier due to the absence of permanent connections.
The new towers utilize glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) instead of steel for construction, which has been proven capable of supporting antennas and other telecommunications equipment. This initiative aligns with Indonesia's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, as outlined in the Bali Declaration from the G20 Summit in 2022.
Indonesia has set an ambitious target to reduce emissions by 31.89 percent by 2030, following the roadmap established post-Bali Declaration. The government and corporations are pursuing various strategies to promote sustainable economic practices, including reducing fossil fuel use and transitioning operational vehicles to electric.
The GFRP material does not require fossil fuels for production, making it a more sustainable option. Mitratel's GFRP towers are 60 percent lighter than traditional steel towers, which also reduces fuel consumption and electricity usage during construction.
Since July 2023, Mitratel has been testing the quality of GFRP towers, with a research report confirming compliance with material standards. The implementation of GFRP in a single rooftop tower can reduce steel usage by 1,748 kg, equivalent to a carbon reduction of 3.23 tons of CO2. If 265 towers utilize GFRP, the total carbon reduction would reach approximately 856.96 tons of CO2, contributing to a national carbon emission reduction of 0.00036 percent.
Looking ahead, Mitratel plans to enhance the use of GFRP through strategic partnerships, promote 5G implementation, collaborate with manufacturers, and increase the number of environmentally friendly towers.