Indonesia Deploys SATRIA-1 Satellite to Restore Emergency Internet in Flood-Hit Sumatra
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has deployed satellite-based emergency internet services at 10 locations across Sumatra following catastrophic floods and landslides that struck three provinces in the region. The effort aims to restore vital connectivity for residents in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, where communication infrastructure has suffered severe disruption.
The emergency internet services are being provided through the Republic of Indonesia Satellite-1 (SATRIA-1). In an official statement on Sunday, Minister for Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid emphasized that restoring communication access is a critical government priority.
“When communication networks are cut off, SATRIA-1 presents as a savior. This way, residents can reconnect even if the connectivity infrastructure is experiencing disruption,” she said.
Hafid noted that SATRIA-1, operational since last year, was specifically designed to serve underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions—areas that are often difficult to reach, especially during major disasters. She urged the public to stay alert, follow official guidance, and use the available internet services to obtain verified information from the government.
On Sunday, the ministry’s Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI), in collaboration with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), search and rescue (SAR) teams, and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), mobilized equipment to designated installation sites.
The 10 locations include the Dr. Fredric Lumban Tobing Airport in Central Tapanuli District, North Sumatra, and the Aceh Command Center in Central Aceh District, Aceh, with services expected to be fully operational shortly.
Recent flash floods and landslides have devastated Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra following prolonged heavy rainfall. According to BNPB data, as of November 30 at 6:00 p.m., the death toll has risen to 442, while 402 people remain missing.
