Moratelindo International Cable System-1 (MIC-1)

Overview

The Moratelindo International Cable System-1 (MIC-1) is a bilateral submarine cable linking Indonesia and Singapore across the Strait of Malacca. Spanning 70 kilometers, MIC-1 is a relatively short system designed to provide a direct connection between the two countries. Operational since 2008, it plays a crucial role in supporting regional telecommunications by bridging the gap between the Indonesian island of Batam and Singapore's Changi North. The cable's strategic placement enhances connectivity between Indonesia's domestic networks and Singapore's globally integrated telecommunications infrastructure.

MIC-1 is one of the shortest submarine cables in the region, catering specifically to the high-demand corridor between Indonesia and Singapore. Its limited length and direct route make it an efficient solution for cross-border data transmission, complementing the longer international systems that also serve the area. Despite its modest scale, MIC-1 is a vital component of the regional network, ensuring reliable and operator-controlled connectivity for its owner, Moratelindo.

Route and Landings

MIC-1 traverses the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest maritime passages, connecting Batam in Indonesia to Changi North in Singapore. Batam, located in the Riau Islands province, is a key hub for Indonesia's telecommunications infrastructure due to its proximity to Singapore, which lies just 20 kilometers to the north. The island has become a focal point for submarine cable landings, serving as a gateway for international connectivity to the Indonesian archipelago.

On the Singaporean side, the cable lands at Changi North, situated on the eastern coast of the island. Singapore is a major telecommunications hub in the Asia-Pacific region, hosting numerous submarine cables that link it to global networks. The choice of Changi North as a landing point integrates MIC-1 into this dense cable ecosystem, allowing seamless interconnection with other regional and international systems. The 70-kilometer route of MIC-1 ensures a direct and efficient link between these two strategically important locations.

Ownership and History

MIC-1 is wholly owned and operated by Moratelindo, an Indonesian telecommunications infrastructure company. As the sole proprietor, Moratelindo uses the cable to enhance its network capabilities by providing a direct route between Indonesia and Singapore. This ownership model allows the company to maintain full control over the cross-border segment, ensuring reliability and reducing dependency on third-party operators.

The cable became ready for service in 2008 and has been operational for over 15 years. Its deployment marked a significant step for Moratelindo in establishing a robust international presence. MIC-1 was designed to address the growing demand for data connectivity between Indonesia and Singapore, a demand driven by economic growth, digital transformation, and increasing internet usage in the region. Over the years, the cable has continued to play a key role in supporting these trends, maintaining its relevance in the evolving telecommunications landscape.

What Our Measurements Show

Our live monitoring of MIC-1 includes data from 153 measured corridors. The best recorded round-trip time (RTT) is 18 milliseconds, while the average RTT stands at 158 milliseconds. These performance metrics highlight the efficiency of the cable's short, direct route across the Strait of Malacca. The low best-case RTT aligns with the physical distance of the cable, while the higher average RTT reflects additional factors such as network routing and traffic conditions beyond the cable itself.

The 70-kilometer span of MIC-1 minimizes latency for transmissions between Batam and Changi North, making it a reliable option for regional connectivity. This performance is critical for supporting the high-speed data demands of businesses and consumers in both Indonesia and Singapore. By providing consistent and low-latency connectivity, MIC-1 contributes to the seamless operation of digital services and international communications in the region.