EAST FLORES, NOVEMBER 30, 2024 PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) has stated that its telecommunications services are generally safe and have not been adversely affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores Regency. Despite the eruption, the XL Axiata network is safe and has had minor impact. The corporation runs approximately 24 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) within a 20-kilometer radius of the mountain, two of which were momentarily offline during the eruption. Along with inspecting infrastructure at the accident site, XL Axiata has identified emergency needs that can be delivered to assist the impacted residents.
Dodik Ariyanto, Regional Group Head of XL Axiata East Region, stated, "The XL Axiata family expresses deep sympathy for the eruption disaster of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, which has impacted local communities." In addition to examining the infrastructure at the catastrophe site, XL Axiata has identified emergency needs that can be given to the victims. Working with local partners and authorities, we have concentrated our relief on the most badly affected areas, where thousands of people have been displaced and need logistical support."
Dodik also stated that XL Axiata has provided logistical assistance to displaced residents through the XL Axiata Peduli disaster response program in response to the Lewotobi Laki-Laki eruption in East Nusa Tenggara. The help includes clean water, kitchen supplies, milk, children's meals, and medicine, which are provided at two post locations, Kobasoma and Bokang. It is believed that this logistical assistance will enable the refugees survive while keeping them healthy.
XL Axiata has also given GDK (Gerakan Donasi Kuota) Routers at the evacuation points to help displaced students connect to the internet and continue their studies. At the Kobasoma and Bokang posts, refugees were given free data SIM cards that provided 10GB of internet data per month for two months, as well as free phone calls.
XL Axiata customers can make 10 minutes of free calls and send 10 free SMS messages to other operators to help customers and the public communicate and access information during the tragedy. Customers can also get 500MB of data by dialing *505#.
Employees of XL Axiata will also provide emergency supplies of daily essentials to the refugees at the Konga Evacuation Center via Majelis Ta'lim XL Axiata (MTXL). This donation is part of the MTXL Disaster Response Program, which aims to help Indonesian communities in need. It also reflects XL Axiata employees' desire to lessen the burden on individuals affected by disasters. All donations are made by XL Axiata employees and management and are distributed directly to Indonesian communities in various regions.
XL Axiata Expands its 4G Network to Remote Islands in East Nusa Tenggara.
XL Axiata is expanding its telecommunications network throughout Indonesia, including in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Over the last year, XL Axiata has activated more than 45 new 4G BTS around the province. NTT now has a total of 880 4G BTS support services, covering more than 60% of the province's districts.
"The presence of 4G networks in remote places is a step toward providing more equal opportunities for everyone at NTT. People on distant islands can now enjoy previously unavailable digital services because of rapid internet connections. According to data, 90% of XL Axiata's customers in NTT are actively using data, indicating that people are becoming more aware of the importance of having access to information and communication to support their daily lives, and #JadiLebihBaik," said Dodik Ariyanto, Regional Group Head of XL Axiata East Region.
Dodik stated that one of the visual manifestations of this devotion may be observed on Alor Island and Rote Island, which are located at the southernmost extremities of Indonesia's archipelago, as well as on numerous other remote islands in NTT. Currently, these islands are supported by 39 4G BTS units, each capable of servicing up to 1,000 users within a 2 km radius. This network has been operating since 2018, with a 48% increase in data traffic over the previous two years.
Semau Island, Raijua Island, and Pemana Island are among the distant islands now connected to XL Axiata's 4G network.
XL Axiata has also developed a fiber optic backbone network of approximately 3,000 kilometers in NTT. This network runs through numerous regencies that serve small islands, hence enhancing network quality in these locations. The fiber network ensures that the 4G service runs smoothly, delivering high-quality digital and data services. In the provincial capital, Kupang, all BTS are linked to the fiber optic network.
Mochamad Irwan Harahap, Head of Network Operations for XL Axiata's East Region, added that XL Axiata has also collaborated with the Indonesian Telecommunications Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology to support equitable access to telecommunications through the Universal Service Obligation (USO) program. Since 2018, XL Axiata has operated 27 USO 4G BTS sites in NTT regions including Kupang, Alor, Central Sumba, and East Manggarai.
Furthermore, XL Axiata operates a Non-3T network, which provides additional coverage for locations that, while not isolated, nonetheless lack appropriate internet connection. XL Axiata has constructed 40 Non-3T BTS in several regencies, including Sikka, East Flores, and Ngada.