Telin, SDEC, and ITCO Unveil ICE II: The Submarine Cable Redefining Southeast Asian Connectivity
The digital landscape of Southeast Asia is about to get a massive upgrade. In a strategic move that highlights the region's growing importance as a global data hub, PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin), a subsidiary of Telkom Indonesia, has officially joined forces with Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) and ITCO Niaga Sdn Bhd (ITCO). Together, these powerhouses are set to develop the Indonesia Cable Express II (ICE II), a high-capacity submarine cable system designed to bridge the connectivity gaps between Singapore, Indonesia, and East Malaysia.
This landmark collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the prestigious International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2025. Held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on Wednesday, October 22, the ceremony was more than just a formality; it represented a unified vision for a more resilient and digitally integrated Southeast Asia.
A High-Capacity Digital Bridge
The ICE II system isn't just another cable; it is a critical piece of infrastructure designed to meet the skyrocketing demand for high-speed data transmission between regional data centers. The network will form a high-capacity fiber-optic link starting from Singapore and stretching all the way to Manado. Along the way, it will connect several vital regional cities, including Jakarta, Batam, Surabaya, Makassar, Balikpapan, Kuching, and Tawau.
What makes ICE II particularly strategic is its role as a gateway. By reaching Manado, the system offers an alternative path that extends connectivity toward North Asia and the United States. This route is vital because it provides a more resilient option outside the heavily congested and often geopolitically sensitive South China Sea corridor. By diversifying these routes, the partners are ensuring that the region’s digital infrastructure remains reliable even if other paths face disruptions.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
The MoU signing was attended by the top brass of the collaborating entities: Telin CEO Budi Satria Dharma Purba, SDEC CEO Dato Ir Ts Sudarnoto Osman, and ITCO Managing Director Anita Aqeela Hiong. The event was further elevated by the presence of the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, who witnessed the agreement.
Budi Satria Dharma Purba, CEO of Telin, emphasized that this project is a core component of Indonesia’s strategy to strengthen its position in the global digital economy. He noted that by uniting the strengths of SDEC, ITCO, and Telin, the ICE II project will deliver the seamless connectivity required to accelerate digital transformation. "We are committed to delivering reliable, seamless connectivity to accelerate digital transformation across Southeast Asia," Budi stated, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the initiative.
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Supporting the AI and Green Tech Revolution
Beyond just faster internet speeds, the ICE II system is being built with the future in mind. Dato Ir Ts Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC, pointed out that this initiative is a game-changer for Sarawak’s international standing. The enhanced connectivity is expected to attract significant investments in high-growth sectors, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of green data centers.
As the world shifts toward sustainable technology, having the infrastructure to support energy-efficient data processing is crucial. SDEC views this collaboration as a way to enhance Sarawak’s role in the regional digital ecosystem, ensuring that local communities can benefit from the high-tech opportunities provided by the digital economy.
A Catalyst for Regional Growth
The partnership between Telin, SDEC, and ITCO is a clear signal that Southeast Asian nations are prioritizing cross-border data resilience and innovation. By establishing ICE II, the three organizations are not only building a cable but also a catalyst for technology integration and regional growth. As the project progresses, it is expected to reinforce Southeast Asia's standing as a premier global digital hub, fostering a sustainable environment where innovation can thrive across borders.