Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria has called for online communities to actively engage in educating the public on utilizing technology to ensure connectivity in times of emergencies. Patria emphasized the critical role of public education and its significance in times of crisis, highlighting how technological solutions can continue to operate even in the face of disruptions to conventional infrastructure.
He underscored the potential for alternative energy sources, like solar panels, to power satellite-based internet services and maintain seamless connectivity.
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“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 says.
During a recent visit to the School of Community Networks Indonesia in Yogyakarta he emphasized the significance of empowering communities with the necessary knowledge to maintain connectivity in situations where telecommunications networks and electricity systems become unreliable.
Patria suggests that one strategy involves the implementation of alternative technological advancements that are not solely dependent on traditional electrical grids. He emphasized that access to the internet has evolved into an essential requirement in modern society, frequently overlooked, yet imperative for everyday activities.
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He noted that the significance of internet access is typically only fully appreciated in situations where connectivity is compromised, as seen during recent flood calamities in certain regions 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 says.
Patria characterized the conditions in Aceh Province after the flood as notably difficult, citing sedimentation leading to rivers overflowing and bridges being damaged, which resulted in the isolation of regions like Bener Meriah and Bireuen.
He mentioned that the challenging circumstances have impeded the progress of restoring the power infrastructure and base transceiver station towers, underscoring the importance of community involvement in the recovery process following a disaster.
He highlighted the government's readiness to engage in partnerships with various parties in order to expedite the enhancement of robust digital infrastructure that is accessible to the entire Indonesian population.
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Patria emphasized the importance of incorporating both governmental and community involvement, as well as participation from various stakeholders, in the development of disaster recovery plans for telecommunications networks.