The telecommunications services in Sumatra have shown significant recovery following recent floods and landslides. According to Minister of Communication and Information Technology Meutya Hafid, about 90% of the affected telecom services in the region are now operational again.
Operators reported that 95% of telecommunication services in West Sumatra and 90% in North Sumatra have been restored. Meanwhile, in Aceh province, around 60% of telecom towers remain non-operational due to damage. The government is actively working to accelerate repairs and ensure connectivity for residents.
Extent of Damage and Recovery Efforts
A total of 2,804 telecom towers were reported as disrupted as of December 1 at midnight local time. This includes 1,969 towers in Aceh, 681 in North Sumatra, and 154 in West Sumatra. The high number of damaged towers in Aceh poses ongoing challenges for full service restoration.
Meutya Hafid emphasized that collaboration between government agencies, telecommunications operators, and PLN (the state electricity company) is critical. Efforts focus on restoring electrical power, which directly affects tower operations, especially in Aceh. The government anticipates a marked improvement in mobile network availability in Aceh within four days.
Support and Logistics
To expedite repairs, the government is cooperating with the military for logistics support, ensuring that materials reach remote and difficult-to-access areas quickly. This cooperation aims to reduce downtime and speed up the reactivation of telecom infrastructure.
In addition to physical repairs, operators have offered user support measures. These include discounts on tariffs and extensions of SIM card validity periods for customers in the affected zones. These steps help lessen the burden on consumers during the recovery phase.
Key Points on Telecom Recovery Status
- 95% service recovery in West Sumatra.
- 90% service recovery in North Sumatra.
- 40% service recovery in Aceh (60% towers remain offline).
- 2,804 towers impacted overall.
- Cross-sector collaboration for repairs and logistics.
- Supportive measures from operators for users.
The coordination between government bodies, service providers, and the military demonstrates a comprehensive approach to disaster response. This strategy prioritizes restoring telecommunications, a vital service during emergencies and daily life.
With ongoing efforts and stable electricity supply improvements by PLN, complete restoration across Sumatra is expected soon. Maintaining open communications is crucial for the safety and well-being of affected communities during this recovery period.
