Denpasar-Waingapu Cable Systems

Overview

The Denpasar-Waingapu Cable Systems is a domestic submarine cable network spanning 814 kilometers, designed to enhance connectivity across several key islands in Indonesia. Launched in 2019, the cable is operated by Moratelindo, a prominent Indonesian telecommunications company. This system plays a vital role in the country's digital infrastructure, linking the islands of Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, and Sumba. By bridging these geographically dispersed regions, the cable supports improved telecommunications services, fostering economic growth and social development in the communities it serves.

As an integral part of Indonesia's telecommunications framework, the Denpasar-Waingapu Cable Systems ensures reliable data transmission across the archipelago. Its deployment addresses the challenges of connecting remote islands in a nation with over 17,000 islands, many of which rely on submarine cables for high-speed internet and communication services. The cable's strategic importance lies in its ability to facilitate digital inclusion and support the growing demand for connectivity in Indonesia's eastern regions.

Route and Landings

The Denpasar-Waingapu Cable Systems connects four landing points across Indonesia, spanning the islands of Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, and Sumba. The landing points are:

• Padang Galak, Bali: Situated near Denpasar, this landing point anchors the cable on Bali, a major hub for tourism and commerce in Indonesia.
• Lombok: The cable lands on Lombok, an island known for its growing tourism sector and proximity to Bali, enhancing connectivity between the two regions.
• Sumbawa Besar, Sumbawa: This landing point connects Sumbawa, an island with a mix of agricultural and mining activities, to the broader telecommunications network.
• Waingapu, Sumba: The easternmost landing point, Waingapu, serves as a critical link for Sumba, an island with limited infrastructure but significant potential for development.

By traversing the Bali Sea, Lombok Strait, and the surrounding waters of the Lesser Sunda Islands, the cable overcomes geographical barriers to connect these regions. Its route underscores the importance of submarine cables in linking Indonesia's widely dispersed islands, where terrestrial infrastructure is often impractical or economically unfeasible.

Ownership and History

The Denpasar-Waingapu Cable Systems is owned and operated by Moratelindo, a leading telecommunications provider in Indonesia. Established as a key player in the country's digital infrastructure development, Moratelindo has focused on deploying submarine cables to connect Indonesia's islands and improve internet access across the nation.

The cable became ready for service in 2019, marking a significant milestone in Indonesia's efforts to expand its telecommunications network. While detailed updates on the cable's operational status are limited, its deployment reflects Moratelindo's commitment to enhancing connectivity in underserved regions. The company's role in managing this infrastructure highlights its expertise in addressing the unique challenges of Indonesia's archipelagic geography.

The Denpasar-Waingapu Cable Systems is part of a broader trend of domestic submarine cable deployments aimed at bridging the digital divide within Indonesia. By linking Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, and Sumba, the cable contributes to the nation's goal of achieving equitable access to digital services.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the Denpasar-Waingapu Cable Systems provides insights into its performance across 12 measured corridors. The best round-trip time (RTT) recorded is 32 milliseconds, indicating efficient data transmission in optimal conditions. However, the average RTT of 224 milliseconds suggests variability in performance, which could be influenced by factors such as network congestion or the geographic dispersion of the cable's landing points.

The cable's performance metrics underscore its role in providing reliable connectivity to Indonesia's eastern regions. While the average RTT may indicate room for optimization, the system's ability to maintain a best RTT of 32 milliseconds demonstrates its potential to support high-speed communications. This is particularly important for remote islands like Sumba, where access to robust telecommunications infrastructure can drive economic and social development.

Overall, the Denpasar-Waingapu Cable Systems represents a critical link in Indonesia's telecommunications network, addressing the unique challenges of connecting an archipelago while supporting the nation's digital transformation efforts.