PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin) and PT Citranet Sarana Digital (Citra Connect) have officially started construction on a new cable landing station (CLS) in Nongsa, located within the Batam region of Indonesia. This significant project, part of Telin’s Indonesia Cable Express (ICE) initiative, is set to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a regional digital connectivity hub.
Nongsa Digital Park: The Strategic Location for the New CLS
Why Nongsa?
Nongsa Digital Park, situated in the Batam region, is a strategic choice for this infrastructure. Its proximity to major international connectivity hubs like Singapore and Malaysia makes it ideal for bolstering regional and global data flow.
The Role of the Cable Landing Station
The new CLS will play a vital role in the ICE system by serving as the landing point for four of the planned seven subsea cables. Once operational, this facility will enhance Batam’s role as a gateway for digital connectivity.
ICE System: A Backbone for Indonesia’s Digital Growth
Overview of the ICE Initiative
The Indonesia Cable Express (ICE) system aims to connect Indonesia with key global digital economies. Comprising seven subsea cables, the system will link major cities across Indonesia and neighboring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia.
Enhancing Digital Infrastructure
Telin’s CEO, Bogi Witjaksono, highlighted the significance of the ICE project, stating: “By enhancing Batam’s role as a primary gateway for global connectivity, we are one step closer to realizing Telkom Group’s vision of creating a robust foundation for the development of data centers in Batam and beyond.”
Telin and Citra Connect: A Strategic Partnership
The September 2023 Agreement
Telin and Citra Connect began their collaboration in September 2023 by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership underscores their shared commitment to enhancing Indonesia’s digital infrastructure.
About Telin
Founded in 2007, Telin is a subsidiary of Telkom Indonesia, with operations spanning Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Malaysia, Taiwan, the US, Timor Leste, the UAE, and Myanmar. The company manages over 250,000 km of subsea cables, demonstrating its expertise in global connectivity solutions.
About Citra Connect
Citra Connect is an Indonesian connectivity provider focused on building access networks for carriers and enterprise customers. Their collaboration with Telin signifies a robust alliance aimed at digital transformation in Indonesia.
Batam’s Growing Role in Subsea Cable Connectivity
Current Subsea Cables in Batam
Batam is already home to 12 subsea cables, including JaSuKa, SEAX-1, and Matrix. With the addition of the ICE system’s cables, the region will further solidify its role as a central hub for data connectivity in Southeast Asia.
The Tanjung Bemban CLS
Most of the existing subsea cables in Batam land at the Tanjung Bemban CLS. The new Nongsa CLS will complement this existing infrastructure, supporting future growth in the region.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Nongsa cable landing station?
The Nongsa CLS will serve as a critical node in the Indonesia Cable Express system, landing four of the planned seven subsea cables to enhance connectivity within Indonesia and to neighboring countries.
Who are Telin and Citra Connect?
Telin is a subsidiary of Telkom Indonesia specializing in global connectivity solutions. Citra Connect is an Indonesian connectivity provider focused on developing access networks for carriers and enterprises.
How will the ICE system impact Indonesia?
The ICE system will improve digital infrastructure by connecting Indonesia’s major cities and creating links to international hubs like Singapore and Malaysia, strengthening the country’s role in the global digital economy.
What other subsea cables are in Batam?
Batam hosts 12 subsea cables, including JaSuKa, SEAX-1, and Matrix, with four more expected to land in the coming years.
When was the Telin and Citra Connect partnership announced?
The partnership was announced in September 2023 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).