Disruption of Tersili-Kauditan Submarine Cable System in Sulawesi, Telkominfra Undertakes Repairs to Maintain Indonesia's Connectivity

Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, through its subsidiary PT Infrastruktur Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkominfra), is currently carrying out repairs on the Submarine Cable System (SMPCS) #1 on the Tersili–Kauditan route (BU5–BU3) in Sulawesi waters to maintain network reliability and ensure optimal digital connectivity in Indonesia.

The disruption in the system was detected since 6 February 2026 (Date of Loss), marked by an anomaly in the submarine cable power supply system or Power Feeding Equipment (PFE), indicating a current leakage (shunt fault). This condition has impacted the system’s reliability, resulting in unstable network operations.

Based on technical analysis, the fault point is estimated to be approximately 50 kilometres from Branching Unit (BU5) towards BU3, which is a branching point for the submarine cable network, at a sea depth of around 2,000 to 2,300 metres in Sulawesi waters.

Currently, the repair process is underway, involving a specialised submarine cable repair vessel, Cableship Navalink Polaris, which is at the location (cable ground) and conducting assessment stages as well as cable route scouting.

Subsequently, the repair process involves lifting the cable to the surface, cutting the affected section, and re-splicing using replacement cable to ensure the system can operate reliably again.

“The repair process is currently ongoing, and we are focused on ensuring every stage is carried out optimally to restore system reliability. We target services to return to normal according to plan, while prioritising operational quality and safety,” said the Operations Director of PT Infrastruktur Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkominfra), Slamet Riyanto Pardi.

“As part of national strategic infrastructure, we are committed to maintaining digital connectivity. This effort is a manifestation of our responsibility in supporting the digital activities of the public and business community in Indonesia,” he added.

Telkominfra targets the completion of this repair process, with the system returning to normal operation (Ready for Service), on 7 May 2026.