Indonesia, Timor-Leste eye connectivity collaboration

Partnership to boost digital cooperation and infrastructure.

Indonesia and Timor-Leste are looking to collaborate in the area of digital infrastructure development.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin) and Cabos de Timor-Leste (CTL), the two nations seek to explore the possibility of developing a bilateral submarine cable system.

Telin is a subsidiary of state-owned telco PT Telkom Indonesia, while CTL was created to be in charge of the Timor-Leste Submarine Cable System.

"This MoU marks an important milestone in strengthening digital cooperation between Indonesia and Timor-Leste," Telin CEO Budi Satria Dharma Purba commented. "As a global digital infrastructure provider, Telin is committed to supporting regional growth by sharing knowledge, experience, and technology that enable sustainable connectivity.

"This partnership represents a joint effort to create a broader impact – connecting nations, empowering people, and accelerating digital transformation across the region."

Meanwhile Minister of Transport and Communications Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, who serves as president of the CTL general board, pointed to Timor-Leste's strategic focus on digital infrastructure investment.

He stated: "Beyond infrastructure, CTL also carries the responsibility of investing in our people's future. By partnering with Telin, a global player in the digital ecosystem, Timor-Leste gains a strategic partner that goes beyond connectivity.

"This MoU is a tangible step towards capacity building that empowers Timor-Leste with access, opportunity, and sustainable innovation."