Infrastructure Ready, Network Recovery In Aceh Depends On PLN And Minister Of Energy And Mineral Resources

APJATEL Chairman Jerry Mangasas Swandy (photo: Dinda Buana/VOI)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Telecommunication Network Operators Association (APJATEL), Jerry Mangasas Swandy, emphasized that internet service recovery in Aceh depends on the availability of electricity supply.

According to him, although there is an affected telecommunications infrastructure, including fiber optics and BTS, this has been resolved, and is ready to operate again.

He emphasized that the main problem at this time is not the readiness of telecommunications networks, but the dependence on electricity supply to revive BTS and transmission devices.

"Incidentally, the BTS interconnection depends on the strength (electric supply). We are currently chasing it. Because currently PLN only has a country, there is no private sector, and when the BTS is up, it is automatically pipelined, fiber optically, it can be connected," said Jerry at the 2025 Christmas Celebration of APJATEL on Thursday, December 11.

According to him, all industry associations are now directed to focus on accelerating recovery in Aceh, while other areas such as North Sumatra and West Sumatra have been much more stable.

"Yes, we are waiting for directions from Mr. Bahlil. Because Mr. Bahlil as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, the main task is there. Because fiberly we are ready," said Jerry.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs reported that the recovery of telecommunications services in West Sumatra was around 99 percent, and in North Sumatra it had reached 98 percent.

Currently, the government is setting a focus on recovery in the Aceh region. Because, until now, the tower-based connectivity recovery is still around 40 percent.