Meta Unveils 'Candle': The Massive 8,000km Subsea Cable Boosting Indonesia’s Digital Future

The landscape of digital infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region is about to witness a monumental shift. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has just pulled back the curtain on its latest ambitious project: a state-of-the-art subsea communication cable system named "Candle." Announced on Monday, October 6, 2025, this project isn't just another data line; it is a critical piece of infrastructure designed to weave together the digital economies of Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore.

A Record-Breaking Digital Superhighway

When we talk about the scale of Project Candle, the numbers are frankly staggering. Stretching across 8,000 kilometers (km), this underwater system is set to become the largest subsea communication cable project in the entire Asia-Pacific region. But length isn't its only impressive feature. Meta has revealed that Candle will boast a massive capacity of up to 570 terabits per second (Tbps), making it a heavyweight champion in data transmission.

To put that into perspective, this capacity is designed to handle the explosive growth of data demand across the region, from high-definition video streaming and cloud computing to the next generation of AI-driven services. By utilizing cutting-edge 24 fiber-pair cable technology, Meta is pushing the boundaries of what traditional subsea systems can achieve.

Strategic Importance for Indonesia

For Indonesia, the arrival of Candle represents a significant leap forward in national connectivity. Meta has explicitly stated that once the system becomes operational, it will dramatically strengthen digital connectivity for millions of individuals and businesses across the archipelago. As Indonesia continues its journey toward becoming a global digital hub, having direct, high-capacity links to major regional neighbors like Singapore and Japan is essential for reducing latency and increasing network reliability.

Meta isn't going at this alone. The construction and implementation of the Candle system will involve close collaboration with various telecommunications operators throughout the Asia-Pacific region. This partnership-driven approach ensures that the infrastructure integrates seamlessly with existing local networks, maximizing the benefit for end-users on the ground.

Looking Ahead: The 2028 Timeline

Building 8,000 kilometers of sophisticated fiber optics under the ocean is no small feat. Meta expects the Candle project to be fully completed and operational by 2028. While that might seem like a long wait, the long-term impact on the region’s digital resilience cannot be overstated. It provides a roadmap for the next decade of internet growth in Southeast Asia.

Part of a Larger Vision

It is important to view Project Candle not as an isolated venture, but as part of Meta’s broader, aggressive strategy to build a more robust global internet. During the announcement, Meta also provided updates on its existing subsea projects: "Bifrost," "Echo," and "Apricot."

Fans of tech infrastructure will remember that the Bifrost and Echo projects were first initiated by Meta back in 2021. By adding Candle to this portfolio, Meta is creating a redundant and diverse web of underwater routes. This ensures that even if one cable faces maintenance or accidental damage, the flow of data across the Pacific remains uninterrupted. With these investments, Meta is effectively building the backbone of the modern internet, ensuring that Indonesia and its neighbors stay connected to the world at lightning speeds.