BANDA ACEH-- The Ministry of Communication and Digital of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemkomdigi RI) confirmed that the Starlink internet service distributed as aid for flood-affected areas in Aceh is free and not for sale.

This statement was made by Wiaji Cahyaningrum, Senior Public Relations Officer of the Indonesian Digital Communications Commission (Komdigi RI), at a press conference in Banda Aceh on Thursday (December 4, 2025). "We reiterate that internet access via Starlink in areas affected by the hydrometeorological disaster in Aceh is free, without any charges, for both command posts and public facilities," he said.

Wiaji added that Starlink has also officially announced that the service will be free for one full month in affected areas.

Therefore, he requested media support in clarifying any hoaxes circulating regarding the sale and purchase of Starlink devices or services. "If there are any hoaxes claiming that the devices were bought and sold after being delivered, please help correct them," he stressed.

Furthermore, Wiaji also explained that the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology provides an Information Center and Media Center for work facilities for journalists, ranging from laptops, network access, to real-time data related to active and non-functional Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).

This facility is provided to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and does not cause confusion in emergency situations.

He also said that official releases and updates on disaster management in Sumatra and Aceh can be accessed through the link s.id/TanggapBencanaSumatra.
Regarding the progress of telecommunications network recovery in Aceh, Wiaji explained that of the 3,414 existing base transceiver stations (BTS), approximately 51 percent remained down as of Wednesday (December 3, 2025). He stated that the recovery process is being carried out in stages, depending on field conditions.

Meanwhile, Alfajrian, Head of Public Communications Management at the Aceh Communications and Infrastructure Service (Diskominsa Aceh), explained that the telecommunications recovery process is highly dependent on electricity availability. He said most base transceiver stations (BTS) are unable to function due to power outages caused by infrastructure damage. "If PLN is back on, most telecommunications automatically come back on. This goes hand in hand with efforts to restore land lines," he said.

He hopes that the trial of providing electricity to a number of transmission networks in Lhokseumawe can be the starting point for broader recovery in Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar, and Pidie.

Komdigi Builds Post and Media Center

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) continues to ensure the restoration of network connectivity and telecommunications infrastructure in areas affected by floods and landslides in Sumatra.

In addition to technical recovery, Komdigi also established a number of Command Posts as Information Centers and Media Centers to support emergency communications and disaster management coordination.
In Aceh, the post is centralized in the Aceh Provincial Secretariat Building, while in West Sumatra the post is located in the West Sumatra Governor's Office Complex.

For North Sumatra, the Komdigi Command Post operates at three locations, namely the North Sumatra Scout Movement Regional Leadership Council Building, the Pandan Tapanuli Tengah Sports Arena (GOR), and the Psychosocial Support Post in Hamparan Perak, Deli Serdang.

The post serves as a workspace for journalists, a center for holding press conferences, and a field coordination point for Komdigi units, cellular operators, local governments and related stakeholders.

In addition, the post serves as a location for telecommunications network monitoring by the Monitoring Center (Balmon) at the regional level, as well as a joint editorial space for compiling narratives, public information, and various content related to disaster management.
(K. Wisnubroto/Nurul.HP)