New Giant Telkom Project Inaugurated, Putting Papua on the Global Map

PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (TLKM) is strengthening digital connectivity infrastructure in eastern Indonesia. Through its operating company, PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin), the Pukpuk Submarine Cable System (Puk-Puk 1) has been inaugurated at Telkom Witel Jayapura, Papua, on Friday (8/5). This project is not just ordinary infrastructure, but the first cross-border digital “toll road” in the Asia-Pacific that directly connects Indonesia to Papua New Guinea. The presence of this infrastructure opens a new connectivity corridor to the Asia-Pacific region, expected to drive digital economic growth, expand digital access for the community, and strengthen connectivity in border areas and eastern Indonesia. The inauguration was conducted by Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Angga Raka Prabowo, Telkom Indonesia CEO Dian Siswarini, representative of the Papua New Guinea Consul in Jayapura Leon Galemo, Papua Governor represented by L. Christian Sohilait, and PNG DataCo CEO Paul Komboi. Angga Raka Prabowo emphasised that accelerating digital transformation is one of the national priorities to realise more advanced, inclusive, and competitive development. “Therefore, connectivity must be built evenly and sustainably so that all regions, including eastern Indonesia, have equal opportunities to grow in the digital economic ecosystem,” Angga stated in his official remarks, quoted on Sunday (10/5/2026). Strategic Collaboration Between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea The Pukpuk submarine cable system is the first cross-border cable in the Asia-Pacific region that directly connects Indonesia’s network to Papua New Guinea. The landing station in Jayapura, operated by TelkomGroup, serves as a gateway to the Kumul network in Papua New Guinea, while also channelling capacity from various provinces in Papua New Guinea to Vanimo. More than just telecommunications infrastructure, this project reflects the strategic collaboration between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea in building regional connectivity. The synergy between Telin and PNG DataCo, strengthened by the signing of a commercial agreement today, is a concrete step in expanding network integration and strengthening Asia-Pacific digital connectivity. With the arrival of this submarine cable, Jayapura now has two independent connectivity routes. The first route connects Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua, while the second new route connects Vanimo, Madang to Port Moresby, and can connect to Manado to Los Angeles, United States, via the SEA-US cable. Papua’s Digital Infrastructure Becomes More Resilient The existence of this alternative route makes Papua’s digital infrastructure more resilient through an alternative path that can maintain service continuity optimally. As the connectivity hub of Papua, Jayapura is now even more ready to support digital economic growth in the region and open new economic opportunities through world-class infrastructure. Telkom CEO Dian Siswarini stated that the Pukpuk project is concrete evidence of TelkomGroup’s commitment to providing equitable connectivity to eastern Indonesia. “Through Pukpuk, TelkomGroup not only strengthens digital infrastructure in Papua but also affirms 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 can strengthen eastern Indonesia’s connectivity while opening digital collaboration opportunities at regional and global levels,” Dian said. “The Pukpuk cable is proof that TelkomGroup through Telin can bridge the digital divide between countries. We are proud to be part of the Asia-Pacific connectivity history and will continue to deliver world-class digital infrastructure for a more connected future,” Dian added. PNG DataCo CEO Paul Komboi conveyed that the Pukpuk-1 cable is the real result of the partnership built by both parties for nearly a decade. “PUKPUK-1 is not just a cable. It is a bridge between countries, a platform for economic opportunities, and the foundation for digital transformation,” he said. He also added that the geographical proximity of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea should be strengthened through reliable digital connectivity, and the collaboration with Telin is the real embodiment of that spirit.