Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is working with all national mobile operators to speed up the restoration of telecommunications services following floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

Among the three provinces, Aceh has been the hardest hit, as flooding disrupted power supply and damaged telecommunications infrastructure.

“Everyone is working together to restore conditions, and we hope all can show high sympathy for fellow citizens,” Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria said in a press statement here on Friday.

He said the government is prioritizing the rapid restoration of telecom services in Aceh during the emergency response period.

According to government data as of December 5, 2025, a total of 1,789 base transceiver stations (BTS), or 52.4 percent of the province’s 3,414 BTS, have resumed operation.

Patria said the percentage of active BTS could reach around 75 percent as electricity supply recovers.

“Hopefully, full service can be restored this week. The main challenge remains the electricity supply,” he said.

The ministry and mobile operators continue to monitor recovery efforts across Sumatra, with daily and even hourly updates on repair progress.

To support isolated areas, the ministry has provided Starlink satellite communication devices and generators as temporary energy sources.

These emergency devices function as backup public communication systems for evacuation, aid distribution, healthcare services, and reporting disaster victims and affected areas.

Patria confirmed that the emergency devices are provided free of charge. The ministry is also coordinating with state electricity firm PLN and other agencies to restore connectivity.

“PLN expects electricity can be restored by Friday, which will accelerate our work in restoring telecommunication networks in Aceh,” he said.

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Translator: Farhan, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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