TelkomGroup Completes 100% Infrastructure Restoration Following NTT Earthquake
Three days after the earthquake disaster in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom) together with all TelkomGroup operating companies has successfully completed 100% recovery of affected telecommunications and digital services. All TelkomGroup services in NTT have now returned to normal and stable operation, marking the completion of the infrastructure repair phase and the continuation of service strengthening and humanitarian aid distribution for the community during the recovery period.
“Our main focus is ensuring that public connectivity can immediately return to normal, while keeping the safety of all personnel as the top priority. We are grateful that all services have now returned to normal within just three days. The speed of this recovery is inseparable from the rapid work of the entire TelkomGroup team, as well as close collaboration with the government, volunteers, and all parties involved. The highest appreciation goes to the synergy that has enabled the people of NTT to be reconnected,” said Telkom President Director Dian Siswarini in a statement quoted on Wednesday (19/8).
Since the first day of handling, she said, TelkomGroup moved quickly to deploy technical teams to conduct assessments and initial-stage infrastructure repairs in critical areas with minimal obstacles. These efforts were supported by network redundancy links that kept the backbone fully functional.
Although one submarine cable segment and several terrestrial fibre optic segments are still undergoing maintenance, technical teams are proactively monitoring the backup segments now functioning as the main route to maintain network availability. In a number of locations that are difficult to reach via terrestrial networks, Telkomsat satellite connectivity also remains operational at 17 points to support service continuity.
In addition to infrastructure recovery, TelkomGroup has also provided free internet access at a number of evacuation posts and Telkom Regional Office locations, Telkomsel Disaster Alert Posts, SIMPATI starter packs with data quota, Telkomsel Emergency Packages, and a 24-hour toll-free Disaster Response Hotline.
This connectivity support has helped the public communicate with family members, obtain information, and support coordination of handling during the emergency. Along with the completion of service recovery, TelkomGroup is also continuing the distribution of humanitarian support in five affected areas, namely Nagekeo, Reo, Ruteng, Maumere, and Bima. The assistance distributed includes food and basic necessities, baby and child supplies, and household logistics.
“The completion of service recovery does not mean our support stops. We understand that the community still needs assistance to return to their daily activities. TelkomGroup will continue to be present through connectivity support and humanitarian aid relevant to the community’s needs, so that the recovery process can proceed sustainably,” she concluded.
Telkom Network Director Nanang Hendarno distributed aid to evacuation posts in Nagekeo Regency on Tuesday (18/8). The distribution was carried out in coordination with the local Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and evacuation posts to ensure the aid was well targeted and could be directly utilised by the community. Humanitarian support will continue with priority given to the needs of the posts, including through support for the operation of public kitchens and health posts. The assistance is part of the implementation of TelkomGroup’s Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programme to help meet community needs during the post-disaster normalisation phase.
He said the return of reliable connectivity is expected to help the community communicate, interact, and obtain entertainment from various digital activities. TelkomGroup is committed to continuing to be present and accompanying the recovery process so that affected communities can resume their activities and rebuild their lives for the better.