As per an official statement received from the ministry here on Saturday, the majority of communication and telecommunication networks around the areas affected by the eruption were cut off. This made communication difficult for evacuation teams.
In response, the ministry quickly coordinated with relevant stakeholders to restore telecommunication networks.
"We will continue to support this through the ministry's posts as communication centers in the disaster-impacted areas," Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid informed.
She said she expects the posts, assistance, and restoration of telecommunication networks in the areas affected by Mt. Lewotobi's eruption to be an important means to accelerate the delivery of information and coordination of post-disaster handling.
Besides restoring network recovery and signal strengthening in affected locations, the ministry has established six communication and information posts at all evacuation posts.
The posts are equipped with multimedia devices such as laptops, projectors, and audio sets for educational and entertainment content for evacuees.
The posts also have free Internet access through the Satria 1 satellite (VSAT) provided by the ministry's Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI).
The ministry's acting director general of public communication and media, Molly Prabawaty, said that the six posts are located at evacuation posts in Eputobi, Lewolaga, Konga, Kobasoma, Bokang, and Ile Gerong.
Currently, all telecommunication devices in the areas affected by the Mt. Lewotobi eruption have been comprehensively mapped to keep them in prime condition during the disaster emergency response period.
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Translator: Vinny, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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