The Government Strengthens Emergency Communications Systems in Disaster-Related Areas in Sumatra
Jakarta – The central government, through the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), is accelerating the restoration of communications networks in areas affected by floods and landslides in West Sumatra.
Emergency response included distributing satellite internet and repairing damaged base stations. Helmi, Head of the Padang Class II Monitoring Center, stated that previously disconnected communication lines have now been restored thanks to the deployment of field personnel.
Komdigi is sending 32 Starlink satellite internet units to support communications in affected areas. “This satellite internet equipment is free of charge. There’s no charge for its use,” Helmi emphasized.
In addition, Komdigi also repaired BTS that experienced disruption due to flash floods and landslides.
Based on the monitoring system, BTS damage was recorded at approximately 4% of the total 3,739 units in West Sumatra. As of December 3, 2025, 154 BTS were affected—124 of them due to power outages, while officials had deployed generators to support service.
A total of 29 BTS experienced transmission disruptions due to broken fiber optic cables or radio links, and 1 BTS was physically damaged by being swept away by flood currents.
Agam Regency was the most affected area with 45 problematic BTS, followed by Pasaman with 37 BTS, Padang Pariaman with 18 BTS, Solok with 14 BTS, and other areas.
The recovery effort is being accelerated in collaboration with the West Sumatra Communications and Informatics Office (Diskominfotik). The Head of the Office, Rudi Rinaldi, explained that his office continues to coordinate with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) regarding equipment distribution. Starlink can reach a radius of 500 meters to 1 km and serve up to 60 users.
PT Telkom Indonesia (Telkom) is also accelerating network recovery in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
Telkomsel’s service recovery has reached 76.5%, while IndiHome’s has reached 79.7%.
Telkom also activated additional Mangostar satellite backups at six disaster posts to support connectivity for technical teams, volunteers, and refugees.
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating service normalization. “Our focus is on ensuring that telecommunications access in all affected areas is quickly restored. The government is optimistic that services will return to normal within the next five days,” she said.
Telkom President Director, Dian Siswarini, said the biggest challenges were access to the location and electricity instability.
“Damage to transmission lines, especially fiber optic lines, means the repair process requires additional time and technical effort,” he said.
