Govt Run Special Disaster Telecommunications Test
The Infographic of the 700 MHz utilization for disaster mitigations. (Ministry of Communication and Informatics)
In a bid to improve preparedness and rapid response in disaster management by collaborating with ministries, institutions, and telecommunications ecosystems, the Indonesian Government prepared a disaster radio communication system by utilizing 700 MHz radio frequency.
The 700 MHz frequency is chosen because the frequency is quite low and have a wide reach compared to 1.8, 2.1, and 2.3 GHz, Minister of Communication and Informatics Rudiantara said in Field Testing of Frequency Use 700 MHZ for Special Disaster Telecommunications in Plasa Telkom Pangandaran, West Java, Tuesday (9/4).
For the record, the 700 MHz radio frequency bands in a number of countries such as the United States and South Korea have been used to support public services such as in the local police institution, municipalities, fire fighters, Emergency Response Units, and hospitals.
Furthermore, Rudiantara said that the neighboring countries had begun to release the 700 MHz frequency from the use of analog television. The frequency is set by international standards to be digital dividends. It was agreed that part of the 700 MHz must be allocated for disaster relief efforts, mitigating as well as disasters recovery, he added.
Together with the National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and regional governments as well as telecommunications stakeholders, the Ministry conducts disaster telecommunication radio services or Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) for a month starting 9 April until 9 May 2019.
In the trial, a series of test are demonstrated such as SMS blast, voice calls between officers, real-time pictures and videos communications, and testing features on the radio communication service application. “(A trial is carried out) so that Indonesia is open to new technologies, Rudiantara said, adding that its important to test existing new technologies to support disaster management.
For the record, the PPDR is an international standard for radio communication provided by the national administrations that provided public safety, security, and defense.
With the multimedia-based communication, the safety of emergency response personnel who go into disaster areas will be better protected. Direct situation of the operation area will be received in more detail and up to date.
The trial is expected to obtain technical data on service quality, application testing and connectivity, as well as non-technical data in the field that are needed as recommendations for future service delivery, includes opportunities for integration of Disaster Information Submission System services through SMS blast in disaster affected areas and Emergency Call Service 112 managed by the regional governments in handling emergency conditions. (Tim Komunikasi Pemerintah Kominfo/EN)
Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Edited by: Yuyu Mulyani
