Indonesia Deploys Starlik Connectivity to Restore Communications in Flood-Isolated Regions

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) is turning to satellite networks to re-establish telecommunications in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, where widespread flooding has disrupted nearly 67% of local Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites.

Deputy Minister Nezar Patria said restoring connectivity is the government’s first priority, as ground networks remain offline across large areas. To bridge the outage, the ministry has deployed:

• 18 emergency internet access points via SATRIA-1, Indonesia’s new national HTS system

• 88 Starlink terminals distributed across the three affected provinces

• Installations at government offices, relief centers, isolated villages, and public activity hubs

The ministry plans to reallocate Starlink units dynamically as terrestrial networks recover, ensuring bandwidth reaches the worst-affected locations. Kemkomdigi is also coordinating with agencies to stabilize power supply, noting that fuel shortages limit generator use.

Residents in isolated districts, including Bireuen in Aceh, are already using the satellite links to communicate with family members and access essential online services.

The response highlights satellite connectivity’s developing role as national NTN-grade resilience infrastructure, ensuring communications continuity during climate-driven disasters.