ASIATODAY.ID, BATAM — Indonesia and Singapore have opened a new chapter in Southeast Asia’s digital transformation with the landing of the Nongsa–Changi Submarine Cable System, a strategic infrastructure project set to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, digital finance, and next-generation technology services across the region.
More than a telecommunications link, the subsea cable represents the foundation of a new Indonesia–Singapore digital corridor, strengthening one of Southeast Asia’s most critical technology connections and enhancing the region’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the project reflects Indonesia’s commitment to building world-class digital infrastructure supported by reliable connectivity, sustainable energy, and a predictable investment environment.
“Today we celebrate the landing of the Nongsa–Changi Submarine Cable System. This infrastructure becomes the physical foundation for a new digital corridor, strengthening one of the fastest and closest digital connections between Indonesia and Singapore,” Airlangga said during the cable landing ceremony in Batam on Monday, July 20.
Developed by Telin and BW Digital, the Nongsa–Changi system will provide additional capacity of more than 1.6 petabits per second with latency of less than two milliseconds between the two countries.
The ultra-low latency connection will support advanced cloud computing, AI inference, high-frequency financial transactions, and other digital services requiring high-speed and real-time data exchange.
Batam’s Rise as Southeast Asia’s Digital Gateway
The new cable further strengthens Batam’s ambition to become Indonesia’s second digital gateway after Jakarta, leveraging its strategic location near Singapore, expanding energy infrastructure, and growing investment ecosystem.
Located within the Batam–Bintan–Karimun (BBK) economic region, Batam is rapidly emerging as a strategic destination for global technology investment.
BW Digital’s Nongsa Digital Park (NDP1) currently provides 120 megawatts (MW) of IT capacity, while DayOne, together with the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), is developing a hyperscale data center campus with contracted power capacity expected to reach 450 MW.
Global technology company Oracle has also selected Batam as the location for its Indonesia North Cloud Region, further strengthening confidence in Indonesia’s digital infrastructure potential.
Indonesia’s Expanding Digital and AI Opportunity
The development comes as Indonesia’s digital economy continues to expand rapidly.
Indonesia currently has 235.26 million internet users, representing an internet penetration rate of 81.72%, while fixed broadband subscriptions have reached 99.5 million.
The country is also emerging as one of Asia’s largest AI markets. Government estimates place Indonesia as the fourth-largest AI market potential in Asia after China, India, and Japan, with a projected market value of approximately US$70 billion.
With its large digital population, growing technology ecosystem, and strategic location, Indonesia is increasingly positioned as a key player in Asia’s AI and digital infrastructure race.
A New Milestone in Indonesia–Singapore Strategic Partnership
The Nongsa–Changi cable is one of the latest strategic outcomes of the Indonesia–Singapore Leaders’ Retreat between President Prabowo Subianto and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong earlier this month.
The project also highlights the progress of bilateral cooperation under the Six Working Groups (6WG) framework, particularly in strengthening investment, digital connectivity, and economic integration within the BBK region.
Beyond digital infrastructure, Indonesia is continuing efforts to secure long-term support for technology growth through energy development and investment reforms.
The country aims to expand renewable and mixed-energy capacity beyond 100 gigawatts over the coming decade, while advancing discussions on accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and continuing the process toward membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
These initiatives are expected to strengthen investor confidence and create a more transparent and competitive business environment.
Building the Future Digital Economy of Asia
Airlangga emphasized that the success of the digital corridor would depend not only on physical infrastructure but also on trust, collaboration, and a shared regional vision.
“Let us build this digital corridor not only with cables and data centers, but also with trust, partnership, and a shared vision. The benefits should not only be felt by Indonesia and Singapore, but also by ASEAN and the world,” he said.
The Nongsa–Changi Submarine Cable marks a significant step in Southeast Asia’s digital evolution. By connecting Indonesia’s growing digital economy with Singapore’s global technology ecosystem, the project strengthens the region’s position in the global race for AI, data infrastructure, and digital innovation. (AT Network)
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