NTT Earthquake: Telkom Akses Deploys 150 Technicians, Services on 24-Hour Standby
Immediately after an earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), PT Telkom Akses, the operating company of PT Telkom Indonesia (Persio) Tbk (Telkom), deployed more than 150 technicians to restore telecommunications network infrastructure in the affected areas. This rapid response by Telkom Akses is part of TelkomGroup’s efforts to identify and ensure the availability of community connectivity amidst the emergency situation.
The recovery efforts undertaken by TelkomGroup managed to restore connectivity and digital services in the NTT region to full capacity within just three days. In the post-disaster period, the network repair process had to be carried out under conditions that were not always easy.
Telkom Akses technicians traced the sources of disruption, inspected network conditions, and performed repairs at various points, while facing changing terrain, limited site access, and potential hazards around the work areas.
“In disaster conditions, connectivity is no longer just a service, but a vital necessity for the community. Therefore, we ensure that our field teams can move quickly to restore network infrastructure and support the community in staying connected,” said the President Director of Telkom Akses, Irphan Wijaya.
According to him, the acceleration of recovery is inseparable from personnel readiness, operational coordination, and the ability of technicians to adapt to dynamic field conditions.
For the technicians deployed directly to the field, every point of disruption presents its own challenges. In Ende, for example, work locations were in landslide-prone areas near cliffs. Such conditions required extra vigilance during the cable pulling and splicing processes. Before work commenced, the team first ensured environmental conditions, identified potential hazards, and determined the safest handling procedures.
Work was carried out gradually while prioritising Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) principles. The use of personal protective equipment, communication between personnel, environmental inspections, and the implementation of work procedures were integral parts of every disruption handling effort. Amidst the demand to restore the network quickly, technician safety remained the priority, especially as post-disaster terrain can change at any time.
“We appreciate all the technicians who continue to show dedication to the people of NTT. They are not only performing technical work but also carrying a mission to ensure connectivity can once again support community activities. However, equally important is that all technicians must prioritise safety and return to their families safely,” said Irphan.
The presence of technicians in the field is a vital part of ensuring the community can reconnect. For residents undergoing recovery, telecommunications networks help them contact families, obtain information, coordinate, and resume daily activities. For various parties involved in disaster management, connectivity also supports smooth coordination in the field.
After the entire recovery process for sites in NTT was completed, Telkom Akses technician teams continued to monitor the condition of infrastructure in the Flores operational area. Personnel readiness and operational support in the field are also being strengthened to ensure the network remains reliable during the normalisation phase and to anticipate potential further disruptions.
Network recovery is not just about restoring disrupted infrastructure, but also about reopening community access to communicate, obtain information, and carry out daily activities. Behind every restored connection, TelkomGroup, through Telkom Akses, continues to be present in the field to ensure the people of NTT can return to their normal activities.