MCIT Introduces Single Emergency Call Service 112

Jakarta, InfoPublik - Single emergency call number 112 will be implemented in all cities/regencies across Indonesia. Indonesia Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) targetted the single emergency number to be fully implemented in 2019.

According to Communication and Information Technology Minister Rudiantara, the development of single emergency call number 112 program will be conducted gradually by adjusting to the readiness of the city/municipal governments, "We can not replace the system immediately. We have to go through several process, primarily dissemination as well as adjustment to the region fiscal capacity," said Minister Rudiantara after opening the Single Emergency Call Service Number 112 Program dissemination in Jakarta, Thursday (4/28).

Rudiantara explained that the program is not a gift from the central government but a cooperation between the central and regional government with gradual implementation.

He continued that the program has already been tested in 10 cities/regencies. The program will be tested in 100 cities/regencies this year.

"It is expected that by 2019 the single emergency call service program will be completely implemented in all cities/regencies in Indonesia," said Rudiantara.

Rudiantara added that until now the people have not been given immediate response in case of emergency/accidents such as fire, security breaches and ambulance services because the lack of integrated single call service for such emergencies.

As a result, the authorities can not respond to emergency situations at once.

According to him, the program was initiated to anticipate emergency situations. There are two objectives, first, to avoid confusion. "We used to have several emergency numbers: 110 for police, 118 for ambulance, and 113 for the firefighter. There will be no more confusion, just one emergency number," he said.

Second, free of charge, people will not be charged when calling the emergency number from cell phones. “Currently tt is charged, it will be more convenient for people if it is free," he said.

In relation to the program funding, Rudiantara explained that  it will be assumed by the central and regional government’s budget. With regards to regional autonomy, It is expected that local government can set up the system and integrate it.

"It must be integrated with the both cellular operators and local service provider, in this case Telkom. All parties should coordinate, and since it is for the people it must be free," he said. 

Rudiantara also warned that once the service implemented throughout Indonesia, it must be used seriously, because there will be legal sanctions for false calls.

"The emergency single number service is not for playing, criminal sanctions will be imposed and stipulated in the Regulation of the Minister of Communications and Information Technology," he said. (Translator : Erik Limantara)