Jakarta, INTI - Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) has increased satellite capacity by up to 150 Mbps to ensure uninterrupted telecommunications and internet services in the Sangihe Islands Regency and the Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) Islands Regency, North Sulawesi, while restoration work is underway on the Palapa Ring submarine cable segment connecting Tahuna and Melonguane.
Satellite Capacity Expanded for 154 Service Points
Through the Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (BAKTI), Kemkomdigi has upgraded bandwidth capacity to between 50 Mbps and 150 Mbps at 154 service locations connected through the SATRIA (Republic of Indonesia Satellite) network.
Indra Maulana, Director of Digital Infrastructure Control at Kemkomdigi’s Directorate General of Digital Infrastructure, stated that maintaining uninterrupted telecommunications services remains a top priority throughout the restoration process.
“All operational maneuvers and the deployment of subsea equipment must be carried out with extreme precision. We need to proceed carefully to ensure the safety and reliability of existing telecommunications infrastructure surrounding the work area,” Indra said.
In addition to expanding satellite capacity, Kemkomdigi is coordinating closely with mobile network operators to ensure that connectivity for public services and critical infrastructure remains stable.
These measures are intended to safeguard government services, education, healthcare, and economic activities in the border-region communities while repair efforts continue.
Restoration Faces Weather and Seabed Challenges
Acting Director of Infrastructure at BAKTI, Darien Aldiano, explained that the submarine cable restoration project has encountered several technical challenges in the field.
“We apologize for the schedule adjustment. Despite facing adverse weather conditions and challenging seabed characteristics, our technical teams continue to work at full capacity. All activities are being carried out with a strong focus on safety and network reliability to restore services as quickly as possible,” Darien said.
According to him, the repair site is located near the active Ondong Siau–Tahuna submarine cable corridor, requiring every stage of the operation to be performed with a high degree of accuracy.
Technical teams are also dealing with rocky seabed conditions and steep underwater terrain, making cable identification and repair activities significantly more complex and demanding.
As a result of these conditions, the project’s completion timeline and Ready for Service (RFS) target, originally scheduled between May 28 and June 2, 2026, have been extended to June 6, 2026.
Kemkomdigi emphasized that it will continue to closely monitor and support the restoration process until completion, ensuring that residents of Sangihe and Sitaro maintain access to reliable communications and digital services throughout the repair period.
Conclusion
Kemkomdigi’s decision to expand satellite capacity demonstrates the government’s commitment to maintaining digital connectivity in remote and border regions during critical infrastructure repairs. While the restoration of the Palapa Ring submarine cable faces technical and environmental challenges, the additional satellite bandwidth helps ensure that essential services, economic activities, and public communications remain uninterrupted. The initiative highlights the importance of resilient digital infrastructure in supporting Indonesia’s growing connectivity needs.
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