Telin Aims for RI Dominance in Global Undersea Cable Connectivity

Telekomunikasi Indonesia Internasional (Telin) is optimistic about Indonesia's potential to become a global connectivity hub. As a subsidiary of PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero), Telin intends to establish Indonesia as an international hub for undersea cables.

Telin's President Director, Budi Satria Dharma Purba, expressed confidence in the company's ability to play a crucial role in the undersea cable sector. Telin currently manages 26 international undersea cable infrastructures.

The number is equivalent to a length of 250,140 kilometers, including the undersea consortium cables. "Its expanse stretches from Asia, the United States, and Europe," said Budi on Tuesday, (5/9), in Bali.

Furthermore, Budi revealed that Telin is currently undertaking four undersea cable infrastructure projects, with plans for at least seven more by 2026.

"This is also aimed at strengthening Telkom's business and supporting Telkom Group's Five Bold Moves strategy," he explained.

Currently, Telin is a state-owned enterprise with a global business reach, represented in 14 countries through global and representative offices.

The company continues to develop and reinforce its infrastructure, aligning with its future goal of becoming a partner for global telecommunications companies.

Budi stated, "We are firm in our commitment. What is our goal? We want to make Indonesia a hub for international connectivity."

On the other hand, Telkom, as the parent company, is undergoing a business transformation based on its Five Bold Moves strategy. This strategy encompasses initiatives such as Fixed Mobile Convergence, InfraCo, DataCenter Co, B2B Digital IT Service Co, and Digico.

To support the parent company's strategy, Telin will serve as an enabler through its undersea cable business while also supporting Telkom's data center business. The growth of data center business relies on global connectivity infrastructure.

Budi analogized it to an international airport, explaining, "Just like an airport, without flights, we would be sad, we build international data centers, and there must be international activities for a significant exchange of information in those data centers." 

Furthermore, Bogi Witjaksono, Director of Wholesale & International Services at Telkom, briefly highlighted Telin's transformation journey. Initially, Telin's undersea cable infrastructure only extended from Batam to Singapore. Through hard work, Telin's infrastructure now spans various regions worldwide.

Bogi emphasized that Telkom positions Telin as an extension of the company to interact with the international community. "Telin must become one of the connectivity hubs, both for data and data centers, at least in Southeast Asia," he added.

The presence of Telin's CEO and Telkom's wholesale director on Bali Island is related to the Bali Annual Telkom International Conference (BATIC) 2023 press conference. Various stakeholders attended the conference, not only for meeting but also for collaborating.

BATIC 2023 demonstrates Telkom's strength on the international stage, actively participating in global infrastructure development, digital platforms, innovative products and solutions. Telkom also promotes strategic partnerships and collaborations, shaping the direction of the telecommunications industry.

"This event is a manifestation of Telkom's commitment to focus on the B2B business segment, with Telin itself serving as an extension of Telkom to develop B2B business for international clients," said Bogi.

BATIC 2023 adopts the theme "Unleashing the Innovation Wave, Enabling a Digital Tomorrow." The event was attended by approximately 1,000 participants from over 300 global companies, including global and local partners, wholesale players, data centers, digital players, enterprises, analysts, vendors, and regulators.