Jakarta. The government has deployed an additional 280 Starlink units to accelerate the restoration of communication networks in disaster-hit areas across Sumatra, aiming to reconnect regions that remain cut off.

Chief of Human Development and Culture Affairs Pratikno said the extra satellite terminals are being prioritized for locations where telecommunications services have yet to fully recover.

“For areas where communication networks have not yet been restored, we are currently adding 280 Starlink units. At the same time, efforts to accelerate the recovery of communication networks continue,” Pratikno said on Monday.

He added that communication services in 14 regencies and cities across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have now returned to normal.

“With regard to the recovery of electricity networks, the delivery of generators, mobile water treatment units, water tanker trucks, ready-to-use wells, emergency toilets, as well as various other supporting equipment is continuing and being expanded in operation,” he said.

Pratikno further noted that as of Monday, more than half of the affected areas in the three provinces have transitioned from the emergency response phase to the rehabilitation and reconstruction stage.

In Aceh, seven regencies and cities have entered the transition phase, while 11 others have extended their emergency status. In North Sumatra, eight regencies and cities have moved into the transition stage, with another eight still under emergency response. Meanwhile, in West Sumatra, 10 regencies and cities have entered the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, while three remain under emergency status.

“The extension of the emergency status is intended to ensure that these regions are better prepared when they enter the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase,” Pratikno said.

The additional connectivity support uses Starlink satellite internet terminals to help bridge communication gaps while ground infrastructure is restored.