Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is providing satellite-based emergency internet access in 10 spots in Sumatra following the catastrophic floods and landslides that hit three provinces in the region.The services are provided using the Republic of Indonesia Satellite-1 (SATRIA-1), aimed at restoring connectivity for residents in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra Provinces, which has been disrupted since the disasters struck.
In a statement on Sunday, Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid stated that providing emergency internet access is a priority for the government.
“When communication networks are cut off, SATRIA-1 presents as a savior. This way, residents can reconnect even if the connectivity infrastructure is experiencing disruption," she remarked.
Hafid explained that the SATRIA-1 satellite, which has been operational since last year, was designed to reach underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas that are difficult to access, including when major disasters occur. She also asked the community to remain vigilant, follow the directions of officers, and utilize the internet access to obtain official information from the government.
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On Sunday, the ministry's Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI), together with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the search and rescue (SAR) team, and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), mobilized equipment to the internet service installation locations.
The services in the 10 spots, which include the Dr. Fredric Lumban Tobing Airport, Central Tapanuli District, North Sumatra, and the Aceh Command Center, Central Aceh District, Aceh, are targeted to be operational immediately.
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Flash floods and landslides recently hit Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra following heavy, high-intensity rainfall. According to data from the BNPB, as of November 30, at 06:00 p.m., the disasters' death toll had reached 442, while 402 people were still missing.
