With help from BAKTI, the ministry immediately provided a very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) for satellite internet access to provide communications support for disaster posts
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communication and Informatics through the Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI), had readied satellite internet access at surveillance and disaster posts in Mount Semeru after the eruption on December 4.

"With help from BAKTI, the ministry immediately provided a very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) for satellite internet access to provide communications support for disaster posts," Kominfo Minister Johnny G. Plate stated during a press release on Wednesday.

The VSAT device is connected to a satellite to provide Wi-Fi in disaster-affected areas, with no telecommunications signals.

This emergency measure was taken promptly to facilitate recovery in the affected area, Plate added.


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The availability of internet access is expected to provide help for the affected people, especially for disrupted telecommunication services due to the eruption of Mount Semeru.

"We had faced several disasters, and cellular operators, optical cable backbone network operators, and BAKTI Kominfo are already aware of what to do during these times," Plate remarked.

Kominfo unearthed two telecommunications problems in Lumajang District due to the volcanic eruption.

First, the base transceiver station (BTS) service did not operate since the electricity connection had been cut off. The eruption led to problems in electricity supply from State-Owned Electricity Company (PLN) following which the ministry then set up a generator at the location.


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The fiber optic cables of PT Telkom and XL Axiata that got broken posed another obstacle. So far, the fiber optic cables are used by the two cellular operators for a wide range of data services.

Telkom is already looking for an alternative data transmission route via optical cable in a safe area, while XL Axiata has also readied data transmission lines.

"XL Axiata has conducted mitigation efforts and come up with solutions because the bridge damaged due to the eruption led to the fiber optic cable breaking as well," he added.


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The minister also extended his condolences to all victims of the Mount Semeru eruption.

"On behalf of myself, the family, as well as the ministry, the government, we convey our deepest condolences to the victims of the Mount Semeru eruption. With hopes and prayers, they will get a proper place by His side," Plate stated.

The minister also lauded the community for immediately participating and helping the affected residents by directly providing assistance in the form of material and manpower.

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Translator: Natisha A, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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