This figure marked a significant increase compared to Tuesday (December 16), when the recovery rate stood at only 45.58 percent. Of the 23 affected districts and cities, 20 have recorded network recovery levels above 50 percent, enabling residents to reconnect and communicate.
“I have instructed operators to focus recovery efforts in districts and cities where restoration remains below 50 percent, namely Aceh Tamiang, Bener Meriah, and Gayo Lues districts,” Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid said here on Saturday.
She emphasized that connectivity restoration is aimed at ensuring basic public needs, particularly in areas that continue to face limited access to communication services.
According to her, the presence of communication networks during disasters directly supports public safety, aid coordination, emergency services, and the gradual recovery of social and economic activities.
The government also expressed appreciation for the work of telecommunications operators, field technicians, and related parties who continued working to ensure communities could reconnect.
Related news: Half of Aceh's BTS restored, connectivity gradually returns: Minister
Beyond Aceh, telecommunications infrastructure recovery in other disaster-affected regions has also shown strong progress. In West Sumatra, BTS recovery reached 99.14 percent, while North Sumatra recorded 97.35 percent as of Friday (Dec 19).
The government will continue to provide regular updates and ensure that connectivity restoration proceeds until it reaches all affected areas.
Hafid reiterated that network restoration in flood-affected areas in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra remains a government priority.
"Access to communication affects rescue operations and the distribution of aid. Every BTS that is restored means more residents can share updates and receive the information they need,” she said.
Related news: Ministry focusing on restoring telecommunication in flood-hit Aceh
Translator: Farhan, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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