Jakarta, INTI - PT Telkom Indonesia, through its subsidiary PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin), has officially launched the Pukpuk-1 Submarine Cable System connecting Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The telecommunications infrastructure marks the first cross-border submarine cable system in the Asia-Pacific region to directly connect the two countries.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Telkom Witel Jayapura, Papua, on Friday, May 8, 2026, and was attended by Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Angga Raka Prabowo, Telkom President Director Dian Siswarini, Papua New Guinea Consulate representative in Jayapura Leon Galemo, Papua provincial government representative L. Christian Sohilait, and Paul Komboi.
Pukpuk-1 Strengthens Eastern Indonesia’s Digital Connectivity
The Pukpuk-1 submarine cable is expected to become an important milestone in strengthening digital connectivity in eastern Indonesia while opening a new connectivity corridor to the Asia-Pacific region.
“Through Pukpuk, TelkomGroup is not only strengthening digital infrastructure in Papua, but also reaffirming that Eastern Indonesia is an integral part of the global connectivity ecosystem. We want to ensure that no region in Indonesia is left behind in the digital era. We hope this initiative will strengthen connectivity in Eastern Indonesia while opening opportunities for digital collaboration at both regional and global levels,” Dian Siswarini stated.
She added that the Pukpuk-1 submarine cable represents an important part of TelkomGroup’s efforts to deliver world-class digital infrastructure.
“Pukpuk demonstrates that TelkomGroup, through Telin, is capable of bridging the digital gap between nations. We are proud to be part of the history of Asia-Pacific connectivity and will continue delivering world-class digital infrastructure for a more connected future,” she added.
The submarine cable communication system spans approximately 850 kilometers. The network consists of a 30-kilometer route from Jayapura to the Indonesian border, a 50-kilometer segment from the border to Vanimo, and a 770-kilometer route connecting the border to Madang. The Pukpuk-1 project was developed between 2016 and 2022 and officially began operations in April 2026.
In his remarks, Deputy Minister Angga Raka Prabowo emphasized that accelerating digital transformation has become one of Indonesia’s national priorities to support more advanced, inclusive, and competitive development.
“Connectivity must therefore be built evenly and sustainably so that all regions, including Eastern Indonesia, have equal opportunities to grow within the digital economy ecosystem,” Angga said.
He also praised Telkom Group’s efforts in strengthening Indonesia’s national connectivity infrastructure.
The Pukpuk-1 submarine cable landing station in Jayapura serves as a connectivity gateway to Papua New Guinea’s Kumul network and distributes network capacity from various provinces across the country to Vanimo.
Telkom explained that the project is not merely a telecommunications infrastructure development, but also a strategic collaboration between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to strengthen regional connectivity.
The partnership between Telin and PNG DataCo was further reinforced through the signing of a commercial agreement aimed at expanding network integration and enhancing digital connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region.
Jayapura Gains Two Independent Global Internet Routes
With the operation of the submarine cable, Jayapura now has two independent connectivity routes. The first route connects Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua, while the second route connects Vanimo, Madang, and Port Moresby, with onward connectivity to Manado and Los Angeles in the United States through the SEA-US cable system.
The availability of this alternative route is expected to strengthen Papua’s digital infrastructure resilience and ensure optimal telecommunications service continuity.
Paul Komboi, CEO of PNG DataCo, described the Pukpuk-1 submarine cable system as a tangible result of the partnership between both parties, which has been built over nearly a decade.
“Pukpuk-1 is not just a cable. It is a bridge between nations, a platform for economic opportunities, and a foundation for digital transformation,” he concluded.
Conclusion
PT Telkom Indonesia, through the operation of the Pukpuk-1 submarine cable system, is strengthening digital connectivity infrastructure in Eastern Indonesia while expanding regional integration across the Asia-Pacific. The project not only enhances network resilience and international internet access for Papua, but also represents a strategic collaboration between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea in supporting long-term digital transformation and economic growth.
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