Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communication and Digital is restoring communication networks by repairing 145 base transceiver stations (BTS) and distributing satellite internet in areas affected by floods and landslides in West Sumatra Province.
The Head of the Class II Padang Monitoring Center, Helmi, in a statement released by the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) on Wednesday said that emergency response efforts include the deployment of satellite internet and BTS repairs.
“Through the deployment of personnel in the field, disrupted communication lines can be reconnected immediately,” he said.
The ministry is providing 32 Starlink satellite internet units to flood-affected and landslide-hit areas in West Sumatra to restore communications and support the emergency response.
“This satellite internet assistance is free of charge,” Helmi emphasized.
He added that BTS damage accounts for about four percent of the total BTS in West Sumatra. As of December 3, 2025, a total of 154 out of 3,739 BTS units experienced disruptions.
Of these disruptions, 124 units were affected by power outages. Monitoring Center officers have deployed generators to maintain services.
Meanwhile, 29 BTS units reported transmission issues due to fiber-optic or radio link disruptions, and one BTS was physically damaged by floodwaters.
Affected BTS units in West Sumatra include 45 in Agam District, 37 in Pasaman District, 18 in Padang Pariaman District, 14 in Solok District, 12 in Padang City, five in Solok City, five in West Pasaman District, three in Pariaman City, two in Tanah Datar District, and one each in Pesisir Selatan District, Sijunjung District, and several other areas.
Helmi said efforts to accelerate communication line repairs are being carried out in coordination with the West Sumatra Provincial Communications and Informatics Service.
In addition, Starlink equipment is being used to support internet connectivity in disaster-affected regions. Its operation requires a clear line of sight to the satellite and consistent access to power or a generator.
The device’s internet coverage ranges from 500 meters to one kilometer and can accommodate up to 60 users simultaneously.
The Monitoring Center also operates a disaster repeater at the summit of Mount Singgalang, which can reach nine to ten districts and cities in West Sumatra.
The repeater can be used with radio communication devices and is currently utilized by agencies involved in the disaster response operation, including BPBD, PPTD, Orari, and RAPI.
