What's Happening?
Telkom Indonesia's international arm, Telin, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysian engineering company ITCO Niaga to extend the Indonesia Cable Express II (ICE II) subsea cable system to eastern Malaysia. Initially planned to connect Singapore to Manado in North Sulawesi, ICE II will now include landing stations in Tawau, Sandakan, Kudat, and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. This extension aims to enhance the resilience of Southeast Asia's telecom networks by providing an alternative route to the South China Sea corridor. The project is part of Telin's broader ICE programme, which seeks to establish seven cable systems connecting Indonesia to various global regions by 2028.
Why It's Important?
The extension of ICE II to East Malaysia is a strategic move to bolster regional connectivity and digital infrastructure. By providing scalable capacity and mitigating congestion risks, the project supports the growing demand for cloud computing, digital services, and enterprise connectivity in Southeast Asia. This development is expected to stimulate investment opportunities, empower local enterprises, and improve internet access for communities in Sabah. Enhanced connectivity will drive socio-economic growth, broaden digital inclusivity, and increase the region's competitiveness, aligning with Malaysia's digital transformation objectives.
What's Next?
Following the MoU, Telin and ITCO Niaga will collaborate on the planning and development of the ICE II cable system. The project is expected to foster greater regional integration and connectivity between Indonesia, Singapore, and East Malaysia. As the cable system is developed, stakeholders may anticipate increased investment in digital infrastructure and services in the region. The collaboration may also lead to further partnerships and initiatives aimed at enhancing Southeast Asia's digital ecosystem.
