KUALA LUMPUR: Sacofa Sdn Bhd (Sacofa), the ICT infrastructure company that has been tasked with delivering on Sarawak’s ambitious telecommunications and broadband coverage targets, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT Super Sistem Ultima (PT SSU), a telecommunications infrastructure specialist from Indonesia, for the collaboration of usage of an undersea fibre-optic cable linking East Malaysia with Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
The interconnectivity is expectedtoenhancethebroadband experience particularly for Bruneians, East Malaysians and Indonesians in the Riau and Kalimantan areas, who will have access to higher broadband speeds.
It is anticipated to be highly conducive to the implementation of high speed broadband services in Sarawak, and elsewhere in the region – across the island of Borneo and beyond.
This is in line with Sacofa’s vision to improve connectivity and to bridge the digital divide between regions, communities, rich and poor, urban and rural.
To achieve this objective, Sacofa is engaging new international partners, investing additional capital to lay metres of cabling, erecting new towers and providing additional infrastructural support.
At the signing of the MoU at the 13th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) yesterday, Sacofa managing director, Zaid Zaini, said: “This partnership is highly beneficial not only to Sarawak but also to the whole of Borneo as the network of subsea cables will give it world-class interconnectivity to Asia and the rest of the world – particularly Singapore and Indonesia.
“In short, the net result is that Sarawakians and Indonesians in the Riau and Kalimantan areas specifically will enjoy an improved broadband experience at affordable prices.
“This boost in internet connectivity, coupled with the State’s abundant hydroelectric power, will enhance Sarawak’s prospect at attracting data centres, which is a subset of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s vision of transforming Sarawak toward a digital economy,” he added.
Zaid Zaini also highlighted that at the federal level, data centres are the focus of Entry Point Project 3 (EPP3) of Business Services – a National Key Economic Area (NKEA) under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).
“With more diverse routes and faster internet connectivity from the subsea cable and through available hydroelectric power, Sarawak has significant potential to contribute to the federal government’s goal to make Malaysia a data centre hub,” added Zaid Zaini.
Sacofa’s managing director Mohamed Zaid Mohamed Zaini (left) exchanges MoU documents with PT SSU managing director Kelvan Firman (right) while witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (centre), Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang.
Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Indonesian company PT Super Sistem Data (Super Sistem) for a feasibility study to support the development of a domestic subsea fiber optic cable system that will add critical broadband internet capacity in remote and underserved areas of Indonesia. Super Sistem selected Florida-based APTelecom to conduct the study.
“Our partnership with Super Sistem will advance one of Indonesia’s top economic development and connectivity goals. Increasing access to affordable connectivity is a priority for USTDA in Indonesia and other partner countries around the world,” said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA’s Director. “This investment in digital infrastructure will create opportunities for U.S. companies and trusted technology partners to offer solutions in an important telecommunications market.”
Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous nation with over 274 million people spread across 17,000 islands, with major population centers separated by hundreds of kilometers of ocean. The cable system, called Barat Timur Indonesia (BTI), will link Batam, Jakarta, and Manado, include seven landing stations, and have a combined length of more than 4,700 kilometers. The study will provide Super Sistem with the necessary analysis, designs, and plans for implementing the cable system.
“The BTI Cable System is a testament to our commitment to a connected and prosperous Indonesia. Our BTI Cable System goes beyond simply extending existing networks. It represents a significant leap forward in terms of capacity, reliability, and reach,” said Super Sistem Chief Executive Officer, Kelvan Firman. “By deploying cutting-edge technology from trusted supplier, we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of undersea communication.”
U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, Sung Y. Kim, said: “As we know, undersea cables are the backbone of our global internet infrastructure. In Indonesia, these cables play a crucial role in connecting islands with each other and the rest of the world. We are proud to partner with Super Sistem to support the growth of Indonesia’s digital economy by providing businesses, government ministries, and everyday Indonesians with the bandwidth and ability to securely access the internet via a system made entirely by trusted vendors.”
“We are excited to be a part of such an important initiative in one of the world’s fastest-growing telecom markets,” said Eric Handa, Chief Executive Officer of APTelecom. “The demand for data continues to grow, and this is especially true of Indonesia. Many of the world’s leading operators, over-the-top media services, and content delivery network players are seeking better ways to serve the Indonesian market, and Super Sistem is the logical choice for connectivity needs.”
USTDA’s support for this project advances the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, with the goal of developing, expanding, and deploying secure digital infrastructure to power economic growth and facilitate open digital societies.
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
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