Kominfo Addresses Papua Underwater Telecommunication Cable Issue

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) Minister Johnny G. Plate on Tuesday reminded people in Papua to utilize telecommunication networks for high-priority interests amidst the recovery process of the Merauke-Timika submerged communication cable network. 

“The Ministry along with Telkom will accommodate specific needs so that telecommunication services will continue despite under the capacity of that the backbone network is able to provide,” said the Minister in a press conference on the progress of the underwater communication cable repair on May 10.

He believes the Ministry is making sure that telecommunication in the region can still be available and called for the public to avoid interpreting the situation outside of what is actually happening.

“The signal availability can be monitored through the BLU BAKTI. The ministry is also overseeing the internet services and satellite accesses and BTS that are already established, which will help in overcoming the disruption in telecommunication infrastructure,” said Johnny. 

The Ministry’s acting-director of informatics, Ismail, said the communication issue from the Merauke-Timika submarine cable had been long monitored and coordinated with state-telecommunication firm Telkom Indonesia and Telkomsel. He added that the backup link can 100 percent serve voice services from-and-to Papua.

Read: Kominfo Notes 3 Providers Offering 5G Network in Indonesia

MARIA FRANSISCA LAHUR