On Studium Generale public lecture on Wednesday (14/11/2018), Institut Teknologi Bandung featured Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Khoirul Anwar, S.T.,M.Eng., to talk about future 5G especially in Indonesia. It carried out the theme “Facing Many Changes in 5G era on Technology, Business, and Social.”

This lecturer of Telkom University said that, in 2020, developed countries will implement 5G. However, in Indonesia, the technology would only be ready in 2022. The conclusion came after Khoirul attended 5G International Symposium 2018 in Japan. “This decision based on discussion with Kominfo (Ministry of Information), we postpone two years for 5G,” said Khoirul.

He said that, in Indonesia, 5G will be implemented in agriculture, disaster, and transportation. This is due to Indonesia’s different regional characteristics compared to other countries. Khoirul said that there are 3 main elements of 5G, Broadband network or eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband) which will have 20GB/s signal speed, UR LLC (Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications), and MMTC (Massive Machine Type Communications).

The postponement is due to many obstacles such as Indonesia’s massive areas, unsupportive existing infrastructures, 4G-uncovered areas, and the unpreparedness of service provider.

Khoirul Anwar is known as one of contributors to 4G technology. His research on the field is listed in ITU-T standard. ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union of Telecommunication) is an international standard in telecommunication.

According to Khoirul, the more a country develops its technology, the more it experiences economic growth. After receiving his master and doctor degree and working as a lecturer in Japan, he decided to go back home to Indonesia and established Center for Advance Wireless Technologies (Adwitech). On June 2015, Khoirul initiated Indonesia 5G Forum (i5GF).

Khoirul, an alumnus of ITB, said that the target of implementing 5G is 20 gigabyte per second. Many possibilities might happen after 5G is implemented, such as hologram communication, remote medical operation, save driving car for transportation and disaster. “The implementation of 5G requires network stability,” he said.