Kupang-Alor Cable Systems

Overview

The Kupang-Alor Cable Systems is a regional submarine telecommunications cable that operates within Indonesia. Spanning a length of 273 km, it connects the islands of Alor and Timor, specifically linking the city of Alor with Kupang, the capital of East Nusa Tenggara province. The system became ready for service in 2019 and is a critical component of Indonesia's domestic telecommunications infrastructure. Its primary purpose is to enhance connectivity and support data transmission between these two important locations, contributing to the broader integration of Indonesia’s archipelagic regions.

Indonesia, as an island nation with over 17,000 islands, relies heavily on submarine cable systems to maintain robust telecommunications links across its vast territory. The Kupang-Alor Cable Systems plays a vital role in this context by improving regional connectivity and ensuring reliable communication for residents and businesses in Alor and Kupang. This cable system is part of Indonesia's ongoing efforts to expand its digital infrastructure and bridge the digital divide between its islands.

Route and Landings

The Kupang-Alor Cable Systems connects two strategic locations within Indonesia: Alor and Kupang. Alor is situated in the Alor Archipelago, which lies to the east of Flores in the Lesser Sunda Islands. Known for its rich marine biodiversity and natural beauty, Alor is a growing center for tourism and local economic activities. The cable’s landing in Alor ensures that this remote island remains connected to Indonesia’s broader telecommunications network, facilitating both local and international communication.

Kupang, on the other hand, is the administrative and economic hub of East Nusa Tenggara province, located on the western tip of Timor Island. As a major urban center, Kupang serves as a gateway for trade and governance in the region. The cable's landing in Kupang strengthens its role as a regional hub, providing enhanced telecommunications services to support its growing population and economy. The route crosses the Savu Sea, a region characterized by deep waters and complex undersea terrain, which presents unique engineering challenges for cable deployment.

Ownership and History

The Kupang-Alor Cable Systems is owned by Moratelindo, an Indonesian telecommunications company. Moratelindo is a key player in Indonesia’s digital infrastructure development, with a portfolio that includes both domestic and international submarine cable systems. The cable was officially ready for service in 2019, marking an important milestone in the expansion of Indonesia’s domestic connectivity network.

While the cable’s operational status is currently active based on our monitoring, its construction and deployment reflect Indonesia’s broader strategy to enhance connectivity across its islands. The Kupang-Alor Cable Systems is one of many regional cables designed to address the unique challenges of connecting an archipelagic nation, ensuring that even remote areas like Alor have access to reliable telecommunications services. This system complements other national and international cables, forming an integrated network that supports Indonesia’s digital economy and societal needs.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of the Kupang-Alor Cable Systems reveals performance metrics across 21 measured corridors. The best recorded round-trip time (RTT) for data transmission is 51 milliseconds, while the average RTT stands at 259 milliseconds. These measurements indicate a functional and moderately efficient cable system, suitable for regional telecommunications needs.

The RTT values reflect the cable’s relatively short length of 273 km, as well as the technical quality of its infrastructure. Lower RTT values are critical for real-time applications such as video conferencing and online gaming, while the average RTT suggests that the cable is optimized for general data transmission. These performance metrics underscore the importance of the Kupang-Alor Cable Systems in supporting reliable and effective communication between Alor and Kupang, facilitating economic activities and improving the quality of life for residents in these regions.