Jakarta, INTI - PT Telkom Indonesia, through its international business arm Telin, officially inaugurated the Pukpuk Submarine Cable System (Puk-Puk 1) in collaboration with PNG DataCo at Telkom Witel Jayapura, Papua, on Friday, May 8, 2026. The project marks a significant milestone in strengthening digital connectivity infrastructure in Eastern Indonesia while enhancing bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea in cross-border telecommunications development.
The infrastructure project also establishes a new digital connectivity corridor linking the Asia-Pacific region and is expected to support digital economic growth, expand internet access, and strengthen connectivity in border regions and Eastern Indonesia.
Pukpuk Cable Strengthens Indonesia-Papua New Guinea Connectivity
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Indonesian Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Angga Raka Prabowo alongside President Director of Telkom Indonesia Dian Siswarini, Telkom Wholesale and International Service Director Budi Satria Dharma Purba, Papua New Guinea Vice Consul in Jayapura Leon Galemo, representatives of the Papua provincial government, Telin CEO Kharisma, and PNG DataCo CEO Paul Komboi.
In his remarks, Angga Raka Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia’s national priority programs continue to focus on accelerating digital transformation and equitable development as a foundation for a more advanced, inclusive, and competitive nation.
“Connectivity must be developed evenly, sustainably, and not concentrated only in certain regions, so that all areas, including Eastern Indonesia, can have equal opportunities to grow within the digital economy ecosystem,” he said.
The Vice Minister also expressed appreciation for TelkomGroup’s commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s national digital connectivity infrastructure.
“The Pukpuk Cable developed by TelkomGroup is an important part of creating more reliable and resilient connectivity that can provide benefits for communities in Eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and across the country,” he added.
The Pukpuk submarine cable system is the first direct cross-border cable network in the Asia-Pacific region connecting Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The Jayapura landing station operated by Telin serves as a key gateway linking Papua New Guinea’s Kumul Telkom Holdings network and delivering capacity from the international SEA-US cable system to remote provinces in Papua New Guinea through Vanimo.
More than just telecommunications infrastructure, the project reflects strategic cooperation between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea in strengthening regional digital connectivity. The partnership between Telin and PNG DataCo represents a concrete effort to expand network integration and digital connectivity throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
With the launch of the new cable system, Jayapura now has two independent international connectivity routes. The first route connects Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua, while the second newly inaugurated route links Vanimo in Papua New Guinea to Jayapura and continues onward to Manado and Los Angeles in the United States through the SEA-US cable network.
The presence of this alternative connectivity route significantly improves the resilience of Papua’s digital infrastructure by providing network diversity and ensuring optimal service continuity. Jayapura is now positioned to become a major digital connectivity hub capable of supporting regional digital economic growth and expanding economic opportunities through world-class infrastructure.
Jayapura Positioned as a Strategic Digital Connectivity Hub
Dian Siswarini stated that through the Pukpuk project, TelkomGroup is not only strengthening Papua’s digital infrastructure but also demonstrating that Eastern Indonesia is an integral part of the global connectivity ecosystem.
“This is a tangible reflection of our commitment to ensuring that no region in Indonesia is left behind in the digital era. We hope this initiative will strengthen connectivity in Eastern Indonesia while opening broader digital collaboration opportunities at both regional and global levels,” Dian said.
As TelkomGroup’s international operating company, Telin played a central role in the Pukpuk project from the planning phase to its commercialization. The Jayapura landing station serves as a critical hub connecting the SEA-US international cable capacity with Papua’s national network.
Meanwhile, Paul Komboi highlighted that the geographical proximity between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea should naturally be supported by strong and resilient digital connectivity. According to him, the partnership between PNG DataCo and Telin reflects a shared commitment to mutual connectivity, cooperation, and benefits for communities in both countries.
He also described the Pukpuk cable as more than an infrastructure project, calling it the beginning of deeper digital integration and stronger bilateral relations between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
Telin additionally serves as a strategic partner for PNG DataCo in ensuring the reliability and quality of the cross-border cable system while opening opportunities for future connectivity expansion across the region.
“The Pukpuk Cable is clear proof that TelkomGroup, through Telin, can bridge digital gaps between nations. We are proud to be part of the Asia-Pacific region’s connectivity history and remain committed to delivering world-class digital infrastructure for a more connected future,” Dian concluded.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Pukpuk Submarine Cable marks a major milestone in strengthening digital connectivity between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea while expanding access across Eastern Indonesia and the Asia-Pacific region. Through strategic collaboration between TelkomGroup, Telin, and PNG DataCo, the project is expected to enhance regional digital resilience, support economic growth, and position Jayapura as a key international connectivity hub for the future digital ecosystem.
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