85% Connectivity Restored, TelkomGroup Accelerates Service Recovery After NTT Earthquake

PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom) has moved swiftly to accelerate the restoration of telecommunications and digital services following the earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday (15/8/2026). The disaster caused disruption to a number of TelkomGroup telecommunications infrastructures, resulting in a decline in the quality of mobile and fixed broadband services as well as other digital services in several affected areas.

Prioritising personnel safety, TelkomGroup has deployed technical resources and optimised backup power supply systems to maintain public connectivity amid the emergency conditions.

“Alhamdulillah, traffic has gradually returned to normal. Although initially around 50% of Telkomsel BTS were disrupted, currently, in line with our accelerated repair efforts and the return of electricity, most have been restored. Telkom is committed to carrying out repairs quickly, safely, and in a coordinated manner while strengthening network resilience through backups,” said Telkom President Director Dian Siswarini during the NTT Earthquake Handling Coordination Meeting on Sunday (16/8/2026).

A total of 85% of the 735 Telkomsel BTS sites have resumed operations, while the remainder are still being handled. Recovery continues to be prioritised in several affected areas, including Nagekeo, East Manggarai, Manggarai, West Manggarai, Alor, Ende, and Ngada, taking into account field conditions and the readiness of supporting infrastructure.

The progress demonstrates a rapid recovery process, with around 400 BTS and 2,600 IndiHome (fixed broadband) customers that were initially affected by the earthquake restored in less than 24 hours. Service conditions are also gradually improving, with 16,788 or 98.3% of the total 17,062 IndiHome customers now served, while the rest are still undergoing phased service restoration.

In terms of core infrastructure, TelkomGroup’s backbone network continues to function well thanks to backup routes that keep services running. However, the severance of several fibre optic cables on land and at sea has caused a reduction in service capacity at some points.

Overall, TelkomGroup’s network remains in a safe condition, while repairs to affected infrastructure and optimisation of backup routes are being carried out to ensure public connectivity is maintained.

To accelerate the recovery process, 300 TelkomGroup technical teams are operating in affected areas to conduct assessments, restore networks, and handle supporting infrastructure in coordination with relevant parties. These efforts are being carried out in stages while prioritising key locations and the safety of personnel and surrounding communities.

TelkomGroup is also continuing to maximise independent power resources in the form of mobile and stationary generators in each area. This measure is being taken to maintain service continuity while supporting accelerated recovery pending the normalisation of electricity supply.

In carrying out the recovery process, TelkomGroup is strengthening synergy with Danantara Indonesia, BP BUMN, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, state-owned enterprises, BNPB and BPBD, the TNI/Polri, local governments, as well as partners and volunteers. The collaboration aims to support the acceleration of service restoration while ensuring that field handling proceeds safely and in a coordinated manner.

As part of its support for the public during the recovery period, Telkomsel is providing an Emergency Package of 3GB, 100 SMS, and 300 minutes of calls for Rp1 with a seven-day validity period that can be activated via 88820#. This service is offered to help customers stay connected and maintain access to communications amid post-disaster conditions.

Dian added that connectivity plays an important role in supporting communities during disaster situations, and recovery efforts continue to take into account the needs of people on the ground.

“We understand that in disaster situations like this, connectivity becomes an increasingly vital need for the public, both for communicating with family and for obtaining necessary information and support. Therefore, while prioritising personnel safety, all TelkomGroup teams continue to move and deploy the necessary resources to accelerate service restoration in affected areas. We will continue to be present among the community and do our best so that they can remain connected and regain optimal connectivity services,” said Dian.

TelkomGroup expressed its concern and empathy for the communities affected by the earthquake in NTT. For information and the latest updates regarding service conditions and disaster handling, the public can contact the TelkomGroup Disaster Response Hotline at 0800-111-9000, which is available 24 hours and toll-free.