Surabaya, April 16th 2021. PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) team distributed aid for victims of the Seroja hurricane in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and the earthquake in East Java. In addition to in-kind assistance, which have each been sent since last week, XL Axiata also provides free telephone and SMS services in areas affected by the two disasters. On the other hand, the technical team in the field continues to struggle to restore the network that was affected by the disaster, especially in a number of areas in NTT.
Group Head of XL Axiata Region East, Dodik Ariyanto said, "Early last week we sent assistance through the TNI AL Peduli Post in Surabaya, in the form of groceries and other foodstuffs, mineral water, medicines, blankets, mats, and pampers. Considering that the disaster-affected areas in NTT are difficult to reach, both in the form of islands as well as the large number of damaged infrastructure, then we decided to work with the Indonesian Navy. The Indonesian Navy ship carrying the aid had departed on April 10, 2021, and had arrived and was immediately distributed on Lembata Island, one of the worst areas hit by the storm on April 14, 2021. "
Dodik added, apart from in the form of goods, XL Axiata also tried to ease the burden on the community who were victims of the disaster with free and unlimited services for calling and SMS. So, residents who are also XL, AXIS, and XL Prioritas customers can call and send SMS to other XL Axiata numbers. Meanwhile, for calls and SMS to other operator numbers, customers can get 10 minutes of calls and 10 free SMS. In addition, customers also get a data quota of 500 MB for 4 days by accessing * 505 #. This program is valid for the period of 15-18 April 2021 and applies in disaster locations, both in NTT and in East Java.
"The special services for calling and SMS are not only for disaster victims in NTT, but also for earthquake victims in East Java. For NTT, the service applies in 22 cities/regencies throughout the province. Meanwhile, in East Java, this applies in eight cities/regencies that were affected by the earthquake. We hope that the community and customers in these areas can take advantage of this opportunity as best as possible to support the recovery process. Of course, this free service can also be used by the authorities to help recovery in the two regions, "continued Dodik.
The 22 cities / regencies in NTT are Regency of Timor Tengah Selatan, Timor Tengah Utara, Belu, Alor, East Flores, Sikka, Ende, Ngada, Manggarai, East Sumba, West Sumba, Lembata, Rote Ndao, Central Sumba, Southwest Sumba, Sabu Raijua, Malaka, Kupang City, Regency of Kupang, West Manggarai, Nagekeo, and East Manggarai. Meanwhile in East Java, this applies in the areas of Malang City, Batu City, Blitar City, Trenggalek Regency, Tulungagung, Blitar, Regency of Malang and Lumajang.
Regarding the condition of the post-disaster network in NTT, XL Axiata continues to expand its network recovery in disaster-affected areas. Restoration of electricity networks and road infrastructure, as well as bridges in many areas, has also greatly assisted the recovery of telecommunications and data networks. Meanwhile, the network in the areas affected by the East Java earthquake did not interfere with the XL Axiata network.