The U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Indonesian company PT Super Sistem Data (Super Sistem) for a feasibility study to support the development of a domestic subsea fiber optic cable system that will add critical broadband internet capacity in remote and underserved areas of Indonesia. Super Sistem selected Florida-based APTelecom to conduct the study.
“Our partnership with Super Sistem will advance one of Indonesia’s top economic development and connectivity goals. Increasing access to affordable connectivity is a priority for USTDA in Indonesia and other partner countries around the world,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “This investment in digital infrastructure will create opportunities for U.S. companies and trusted technology partners to offer solutions in an important telecommunications market.”
Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous nation with over 274 million people spread across 17,000 islands, with major population centers separated by hundreds of kilometers of ocean. The cable system, called Barat Timur Indonesia (BTI), will link Batam, Jakarta, and Manado, include seven landing stations, and have a combined length of more than 4,700 kilometers. The study will provide Super Sistem with the necessary analysis, designs, and plans for implementing the cable system.
“The BTI Cable System is a testament to our commitment to a connected and prosperous Indonesia. Our BTI Cable System goes beyond simply extending existing networks. It represents a significant leap forward in terms of capacity, reliability, and reach,” said Super Sistem Chief Executive Officer, Kelvan Firman. “By deploying cutting-edge technology from trusted supplier, we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of undersea communication.”
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, Sung Y. Kim, said: “As we know, undersea cables are the backbone of our global internet infrastructure. In Indonesia, these cables play a crucial role in connecting islands with each other and the rest of the world. We are proud to partner with Super Sistem to support the growth of Indonesia’s digital economy by providing businesses, government ministries, and everyday Indonesians with the bandwidth and ability to securely access the internet via a system made entirely by trusted vendors.”
“We are excited to be a part of such an important initiative in one of the world’s fastest-growing telecom markets,” said Eric Handa, Chief Executive Officer of APTelecom. “The demand for data continues to grow, and this is especially true of Indonesia. Many of the world’s leading operators, over-the-top media services, and content delivery network players are seeking better ways to serve the Indonesian market, and Super Sistem is the logical choice for connectivity needs.”
USTDA’s support for this project advances the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, with the goal of developing, expanding, and deploying secure digital infrastructure to power economic growth and facilitate open digital societies.