Free Internet Access for Mount Lewotobi Eruption Victims: A Call to Mobile Operators in East Nusa Tenggara

Free Internet for Eruption-Affected Residents in East Flores

Jakarta – The Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, has called on mobile operators to offer free Internet services to residents impacted by the eruptions of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara.

She stated, “We ask all mobile operators to provide mobile vouchers or data plans for residents to use the Internet without any charge.” This service aims to help residents receive updates about the eruption and support children’s educational activities.

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the ministry to ensure that Internet access is available for affected residents. In addition to free services, the ministry requested mobile operators to set up integrated service posts to assist those impacted by the eruption.

Hafid mentioned that mobile operators must report the locations of base transceiver stations (BTS) that require repairs. The ministry will also waive fees for mobile frequency use during the disaster response to help operators who may lose optic fiber connections.

Some mobile operators have already established service posts for affected communities.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is an active volcano that has shown variable activity this year, erupting on November 4 and forcing 11,533 residents to evacuate to safety. They currently reside in eight refugee shelters.

Since Tuesday, the Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry has set up service posts equipped with multimedia tools to help residents access information, educational content, and entertainment online. These posts are active in Konga, Lewolaga, Bokang, Ile Gerong, Kobasoma, and Eputobi villages in East Flores district.