PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin), together with Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) and ITCO Niaga Sdn Bhd (ITCO), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to plan and develop the Indonesia Cable Express II (ICE II) subsea cable system. The MoU was signed during the opening of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2025 on Wednesday (22/10) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

The signing was carried out by Telin CEO Budi Satria Dharma Purba, SDEC CEO Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, and ITCO Managing Director Anita Aqeela Hiong. The event was witnessed by Premier Sarawak Yang Terhormat Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.

Indonesia Cable Express II Aims to Expand High-Capacity Subsea Network

ICE II is an integrated high-capacity optical fiber subsea cable system. It is designed to connect Singapore to Manado, with additional connectivity to North Asia and the United States. The system will also include major branch points linking strategic locations such as Batam, Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Balikpapan, Kuching (Sarawak), and Tawau (Sabah).

Telin CEO Budi Satria Dharma Purba said, “This collaboration is an important milestone in our journey toward more connected and digital regions. By linking key locations in Indonesia and expanding international reach to Singapore and Malaysia, ICE II unites the strengths of SDEC, ITCO, and Telin. Together, we are committed to providing reliable and seamless connectivity, driving data-based growth, strengthening regional collaboration, and accelerating digital transformation that will shape Southeast Asia’s future.”

Key Routes and Branch Points to Improve Connectivity

ICE II will provide a new route through Eastern Indonesia via Manado. This alternative route is designed to reduce congestion in the South China Sea and strengthen Southeast Asia’s digital infrastructure.

SDEC CEO Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman added, “This project is part of a collaboration to strengthen Sarawak’s international connectivity, which will encourage AI and Green Data Centre investments and drive the adoption of the digital economy among the people of Sarawak.”

Addressing Growing Demand for High-Speed Data Transmission

The ICE II project is designed to meet the increasing need for high-speed inter-data center transmission. It will link data centers in Sarawak to Singapore and support emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), cloud platforms, smart city initiatives, and other digital technologies.

ICE II Supports Digital Economy and Technological Growth in Southeast Asia

The system is expected to deliver faster and more reliable connectivity for consumers and businesses. It will also act as a catalyst for innovation, digital services, and technological development in Sarawak and the surrounding areas.

The collaboration between Telin, SDEC, and ITCO Niaga demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening Southeast Asia’s position in the global digital economy. By connecting major cities in Indonesia and East Malaysia, ICE II will serve as a backbone for regional digital development, supporting growth, resilience, and technological innovation.

PHOTO: TELKOM INDONESIA

This article was created with AI assistance.