Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has urged online communities to take an active role in educating the public on the use of technology to maintain connectivity during emergency situations.
Patria said public education is essential as technological solutions can still function in crisis conditions, even when conventional infrastructure is disrupted. He noted that satellite-based internet services can be supported by alternative energy sources, such as solar panels, to ensure continued connectivity.
“We need to educate the public, because there may be technological breakthroughs that can be applied in emergency conditions. Even if we use Starlink, without an energy supply we can rely on solar panels to stay connected,” Patria said in a press statement received on Friday.
He made the remarks during a visit to the School of Community Networks Indonesia in Yogyakarta on Thursday, January 15, where he stressed the importance of equipping communities with the knowledge to remain connected when telecommunications networks and electricity systems fail.
According to Patria, one approach is introducing alternative technological innovations that do not rely entirely on conventional electricity grids.
He said internet access has become a basic necessity, often taken for granted, but critical to daily life. Its importance, he added, is usually fully realized only when connectivity is disrupted, such as during recent flood disasters in parts of Sumatra.
“In disaster areas, in addition to water, food, and electricity, telecommunications become a critical necessity. When the internet is cut off, we truly understand how serious the situation is,” he said.
Patria described post-flood conditions in Aceh Province as particularly challenging, with sedimentation causing rivers to overflow and damaged bridges isolating areas such as Bener Meriah and Bireuen.
These conditions, he said, have hindered efforts to repair damaged power infrastructure and base transceiver station towers, making community participation a key factor in post-disaster recovery.
He emphasized that the government remains open to collaboration with all stakeholders to accelerate the development of resilient digital infrastructure that can be accessed by all Indonesians.
Patria added that disaster recovery strategies for telecommunications networks must involve not only the government but also active participation from communities and other stakeholders.
Editor : Vicki Febrianto
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