Cianjur, 22 November 2022. As of Tuesday morning (22/11), PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) ensures that telecommunications and data networks have gradually returned to normal after a 5.6-magnitude SR earthquake shook Cianjur and its surroundings on Monday afternoon (21/11). Previously, shortly after the earthquake hit, XL Axiata services at several points experienced disruptions due to power outages. Currently, the XL Axiata team on the ground continues to make recovery efforts after the disruption is detected.
Acting Group Head for the Central Region of XL Axiata, Arif Farhan Budiyanto, said, "As part of the community in Cianjur and West Java, XL Axiata is deeply saddened by the earthquake that caused casualties and damages. Our team, including those on duty on the ground, is working hard to ensure network conditions at the disaster site. As of Tuesday morning, we ensure that the network has gradually recovered in most districts in Cianjur and Sukabumi. The community has also been able to use the network for communication and various other digital activities, including to access information and coordinate with relevant authorities.”
Arif added that network recovery is now a priority for the XL Axiata team on the ground so that it can be immediately utilized by the community, as well as to support the emergency response process and handling of victims by related authorities. XL Axiata's technical team on the ground will continue to be on standby to anticipate aftershocks. In addition, the XL Axiata team also ensures the availability of starter packs and credit and package top-ups at XL Centers to credit shops in Cianjur, Sukabumi, and surrounding areas.
XL Axiata has more than 560 BTS spread across the Cianjur area in West Java, namely 280 4G BTS and more than 270 2G BTS. Meanwhile, in the Sukabumi area, there are more than 1,200 BTS, with almost 800 are 4G BTS. Across West Java Province, XL Axiata has a total of more than 27,000 BTS, with more than 17,000 4G BTS.
Free Call Service for Earthquake Victims
In addition to encouraging the acceleration of network recovery, XL Axiata also provides free call and SMS services. So, residents who are also XL, AXIS, and XL Prioritas customers can call and send SMS to fellow XL Axiata user numbers. Meanwhile, to call and send SMS to other operator numbers, customers can get 10 minutes of free calls and 10 SMS. In addition, customers can also get a 500 MB data quota for 4 days by accessing *505#. This program is valid for the period of 21-24 November 2022 in the disaster location, namely Cianjur, West Java.
According to Arif, XL Axiata has also provided free call posts for the people affected by the Cianjur earthquake. One of the posts is at Sayang Regional Public Hospital located on Jl. Rumah Sakit No. 1, Bojongherang Village, Cianjur, West Java. Until now, hundreds of earthquake victims have been treated at this hospital. We hope that the community and customers in these areas can make the most of this opportunity. Of course, the authorities can also utilize this free service to help the recovery in both areas.
XL Axiata is also preparing to send emergency assistance to the victims immediately. The XL Axiata team on the ground also continues monitoring, both to ensure the condition of infrastructure and services as well as to inform the distribution of donations.