Subsea Ecosystem Development Program Kicks Off at MWC 2025 to Build Indonesia’s Digital Talent

[Barcelona, Spain] - March 7, 2025 - Since 2020 Telkom University and Telecom Infra Project (TIP) program have collaborated through TIP Community Labs at Telkom University to advance Indonesia’s “Making Indonesia 4.0” for digital transformation. In a landmark effort to accelerate Indonesia’s vision and strengthen its subsea digital infrastructure, a consortium of leading organizations, including Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (KOMDIGI), Telekomunikasi International (Telin), Telkom Infra, Telkom University, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), XL Axiata, Meta, Alita Praya Mitra, GSMA, AJARI, Association of Indonesian Submarine Cable Communication System Operators (ASKALSI), TIP, and Ciena have come together to kick-off the Subsea Ecosystem Development Program during Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2025. This initiative aims to build local capacity and develop world- class subsea digital talent in Indonesia, ensuring the nation is well-equipped to meet the growing demands of the global digital economy.

The Subsea Ecosystem Development Program is designed to deliver state-of-the-art training, research opportunities, and practical experience in subsea cable technologies, digital infrastructure, and related disciplines. By facilitating collaboration among industry stakeholders,

academic institutions, and government entities, the program aims to establish a robust pipeline of skilled professionals who can drive innovation and maintain Indonesia’s position as a key player in the global digital landscape.

Key Objectives of the Program:
1. Capacity Building: Equip Indonesian professionals and students with advanced skills in subsea cable systems, network design, and digital infrastructure management.
2. Industry-Academia Collaboration: Leverage Telkom University’s academic expertise and industry partners’ technical knowledge to create a robust learning ecosystem.
3. Innovation and Research: Promote research and development in subsea technology, enabling Indonesia to contribute to global advancements in the field.
4. Global Competitiveness: Prepare Indonesian talent to compete on the global stage, ensuring the nation’s digital infrastructure meets international standards.

Quotes from Key Stakeholders:

• ➔  Telkom University: Telkom University is an academic institution committed to continuous research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Guided by its vision to become a National Excellent Entrepreneurial University by 2028, Telkom University actively contributes to sustainable development goals. As an academic institution, we are proud to play an important role in shaping the next generation of digital leaders. This program aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring our graduates are fully prepared to face the demands of the industry” - Lia Yuldinawati, Director of Strategic Partnership & International Office Telkom University
• ➔  KOMDIGI: “This initiative is a strategically important effort. It aims not only to strengthen Indonesia's digital infrastructure, which is aligned with the national vision of "Indonesia Emas 2045”, but also to establish Indonesia as a leading player and provider of expert talent in the all-important submarine cable sector. To ensure the fulfillment of talents in this crucial field, KOMDIGI fully supports this activity. Through local talent development, innovation and strong collaboration between industry, academia and government, we are laying the foundation for Indonesia to become a global leader in digital infrastructure.”, - Nezar Patria, Vice Ministry of Communication and Digital of Republic of Indonesia
• ➔  GSMA: “GSMA Committed to fostering a culture of innovation. Subsea connectivity ecosystem development program is about creating opportunity, bridging gaps, & empowering communities. By investing and nurturing local talent & next generation, this program can create a sustainable ecosystem that will drive innovation and economic growth to address unique challenges in Indonesia, drive job creation, and connectivity for all prosperity.” - Julian Gorman - Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA
• ➔ Telin: “, We believe this submarine cable program will also drive the demand for digital balance and infrastructure so it will obviously require academic institutions and support from other industries. I think thisis one of the initiatives that we believe will generate good prospects in the next three to five years to create more digital talents in the industry, and rest assured Telkom Group is very supportive of initiatives that come from the community Kharisma, Chief Commercial Officer

• ➔  IOH: “As an archipelagic nation, Indonesia relies on subsea cables for digital connectivity, making it crucial to address the critical talent gap to sustain and expand this ecosystem. At Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, we believe in empowering Indonesia by building a digitally skilled generation ready to lead the future. This program strengthens Indonesia’s digital infrastructure while fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government to create opportunities for young talent to thrive in the global digital economy. It aligns with our mission - Deliver world class digital experiences, connecting and empowering every Indonesian, through AI powered technology and innovation” - Desmond Cheung, Director & Chief Technology Officer Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison
• ➔  Meta:
  On Subsea Infrastructure: Meta is committed to the development of subsea cables around the globe, which underpin our leading technologies.” This commitment includes supporting the future talent required to grow and sustain the submarine cable ecosystem. Together, we can inspire and empower the next generation of industry leaders, laying the foundation for a brighter and more vibrant future - Nico Roehrich (Director, Network Investments, APAC).
• On Ecosystem Development: Building a resilient digital ecosystem to enable high- quality, immersive applications and services requires strong collaboration. This program unites key stakeholders to develop talent and drive subsea innovation, reflecting Meta’s commitment to advancing global connectivity through partnerships and ecosystem development - Diego Mari Moreton (Manager, Connectivity Technology and Ecosystem).
• ➔  XL Axiata: “I strongly believe that this collaboration aims to enhance Indonesia's connectivity ecosystem by focusing on technological innovation and talent development and also economic growth. This program is not merely a short-term initiative, but a milestone for the future of Indonesia subsea connectivity so its success requires synergy among all of us, the stakeholders including the government, academia, industry and also the community. XL Axiata delighted and proud to be part of this remarkable initiative. Let us work together to build stronger, more innovative and globally competitive connectivity ecosystem and we extend our gratitude to all parties who have contributed to this initiative.”, - Feby Sallyanto, Chief of Enterprise
• ➔  Alita: “Alita’s participation in the Indonesia Submarine Cable Human Resource Development Program highlights its dedication to fostering innovation, building local capacity, and supporting the nation’s digital transformation journey. This collaboration sets a benchmark for public-private partnerships in the telecommunications sector and paves the way for a more connected and digitally empowered Indonesia.”, - Teguh Prasetya, CEO Alita Praya Mitra
• ➔  ASKALSI: “The Subsea cable is an important backbone connecting Indonesia's islands as an archipelago country. This program requires a strong collaborative effort between government, industry partners, academia, and community. ASKALSI, with 13 operators that manage subsea cables both domestically and internationally will actively engage in this program to share their expertise on technological advancement, research and development, policy, and public awareness”, - Roger Pardede, Head of Inter-Institutional Relations Division