TelkomGroup’s Pukpuk Submarine Cable: A Historic Digital Bridge Between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea

In a move that significantly reshapes the digital landscape of the Asia-Pacific, PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has officially launched the Pukpuk Submarine Cable System (Puk-Puk 1). This isn't just another piece of hardware resting on the ocean floor; it is a strategic lifeline and the very first cross-border digital bridge directly connecting Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Inaugurated at Telkom Witel Jayapura on May 8, 2026, the project marks a pivotal moment for Eastern Indonesia’s connectivity and bilateral relations.

Operated through Telkom’s international arm, Telin, the Pukpuk cable serves as more than just a data pipe. It represents a commitment to regional resilience, ensuring that the people of Papua and their neighbors in Papua New Guinea are no longer on the fringes of the global digital economy. By opening this new connectivity corridor, TelkomGroup is effectively shrinking the distance between Jakarta, Jayapura, and Port Moresby, fostering an environment where digital trade and social exchange can flourish.

A Vision for Inclusive Digital Transformation

The inauguration was a high-profile affair, drawing key figures from both nations. Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Angga Raka Prabowo, stood alongside Telkom Indonesia’s President Director, Dian Siswarini, and PNG DataCo CEO Paul Komboi. Their presence underscored the project's national importance. Vice Minister Prabowo highlighted that the Pukpuk cable is a cornerstone of Indonesia’s broader goal: a digital transformation that leaves no one behind.

According to Prabowo, connectivity must be developed with equity in mind. He noted that for Indonesia to remain globally competitive, regions like Eastern Indonesia must have the same access to the digital ecosystem as the urban centers of Java. The Pukpuk cable is the tool that makes this equity possible, creating a reliable network that benefits communities across borders and strengthens the overall stability of the region’s telecommunications.

Strengthening the Network: Why Route Diversity Matters

From a technical and strategic standpoint, the launch of Pukpuk 1 is a masterstroke in infrastructure resilience. Until now, Jayapura’s connectivity was largely dependent on a single major route. With the inauguration of this system, Jayapura now boasts two independent connectivity paths. The first continues to link Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua. The new, second route connects Jayapura directly to Vanimo, Madang, and Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.

What makes this truly revolutionary is the onward connection. This new corridor doesn't stop in PNG; it continues toward Manado in North Sulawesi and eventually links to the United States via the SEA-US cable system. This diversity means that if one part of the network faces a disruption, the other can take over, ensuring uninterrupted internet and data services for the people of Papua. Jayapura is now positioned as a genuine connectivity hub for the Pacific.

Bridging the Gap Between Nations

President Director of Telkom Indonesia, Dian Siswarini, emphasized that the Pukpuk project is a testament to the fact that Eastern Indonesia is no longer a peripheral player in the global ecosystem. By integrating Papua into the international network, Telkom is ensuring that the region becomes an integral part of global digital collaboration. Siswarini noted that Telin’s role in bridging these digital gaps is essential for a future where every region has an equal shot at economic growth.

This sentiment was echoed by PNG DataCo CEO Paul Komboi, who described PUKPUK-1 as the culmination of nearly a decade of partnership. He pointed out that while Indonesia and Papua New Guinea share a land border, their digital worlds have often felt worlds apart. This cable changes that narrative. It provides a platform for economic opportunity and serves as the foundation for PNG’s own digital transformation, leveraging the geographical proximity of the two nations to create a shared digital future.

A Partnership for the Future

The synergy between Telin and PNG DataCo was further solidified on the day of the inauguration with the signing of a new commercial agreement. This deal ensures that the technical infrastructure is backed by a strong business framework, allowing for deeper network integration across the Asia-Pacific. As the Pukpuk Submarine Cable System begins its operations, it stands as a symbol of what can be achieved through bilateral cooperation and a shared vision for a more connected, resilient, and inclusive digital world.