Pioneering Connectivity in a Digital Era
The Asia-Pacific region continues to lead the global digital revolution, driving innovation, economic growth, and transformative change. Amidst the rising demand for seamless, scalable, and resilient digital infrastructure, Telin plays a pivotal role. ITW Asia 2024, held in Singapore, provided Telin with an ideal platform to demonstrate its leadership in navigating the challenges and opportunities within the evolving connectivity landscape. As a Diamond Sponsor, Telin prominently showcased its strategic initiatives, with CEO Budi Satria Dharma Purba delivering impactful insights into the future of subsea connectivity and Indonesia’s emergence as a global connectivity hub.
Optimizing Subsea Connectivity for Resilience and Growth
During the panel discussion titled “Challenges and Opportunities in Diversified Subsea Cable Routes,” Telin’s CEO, Budi Satria Dharma Purba, delved into the critical role of subsea cables in the global digital economy. Highlighting that subsea cables facilitate over 99% of international data traffic, Budi emphasized the increasing challenges these infrastructures face, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and congestion in traditional routes.
Budi outlined how traditional pathways such as the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca are becoming heavily congested, leading to concerns over repair delays and limited capacity. Geopolitical issues, particularly rising tensions in regions like the South China Sea and Red Sea, have exposed the vulnerabilities associated with relying on these conventional routes. To address these challenges, Telin is spearheading the innovative Indonesia Cable Express (ICE) cable system project.
Indonesia Cable Express (ICE) Cable System: A Game Changer
“Our waters provide a secure, low-latency alternative to congested areas, delivering latency reductions of up to 40 milliseconds,” Budi explained. The ICE project, spanning seven systems, introduces innovative solutions like new gateways in Manado, strategically connecting underserved regions in eastern Indonesia to global hubs in North Asia, North America, and beyond.
By bypassing high-risk areas and reducing dependency on traditional routes, the ICE project is setting a new standard for subsea connectivity. Budi emphasized that the use of Indonesia’s deep-water routes not only enhances resilience but also reduces deployment costs compared to shallower waters. This dual benefit makes ICE a transformative initiative for regional and global connectivity.
Strategic Design and Collaboration
ICE system features unique routes, low latency, and direct data center connections, making it ideal for hyperscalers, carriers, and enterprises. Collaboration is key to the project's success, with integrated tendering processes reducing costs and enhancing efficiency. “We’re creating the foundation for a resilient and inclusive digital economy,” Budi stated. “Our subsea projects don’t just connect regions; they create opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration.”
Positioning Indonesia as a Connectivity Hub
Telin’s strategic investments and initiatives are positioning Indonesia as a crucial player in the global connectivity arena. The country’s unique geographical advantages, combined with Telin’s forward-thinking projects, are transforming Indonesia into a hub for digital innovation and connectivity. Submarine cable capacity within Asia and connections to the US and Europe are projected to remain challenging through 2025, with some new projects delayed until early 2026. The introduction of new subsea routes through Indonesian waters offers significant latency improvements and provides much-needed alternatives to traditional hubs such as Singapore.
Vision for the Future
As the Asia-Pacific region solidifies its status as a digital powerhouse, Telin’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence ensures that businesses, governments, and communities can thrive in an increasingly connected world. Telin is set to play a significant role in defining the future of global connectivity.