PASULI

Overview

PASULI is a regional submarine cable system located entirely within Indonesia. Spanning a total length of 40 kilometers, it connects the towns of Muntok and Sungsang on the island of Sumatra. The cable was officially ready for service in 2019 and is jointly owned by FiberStar and XLSmart. Designed to enhance connectivity in Indonesia's vast archipelago, PASULI plays a critical role in supporting telecommunications and internet access in the region.

Submarine cables like PASULI are essential for Indonesia, a country made up of over 17,000 islands, where reliable digital infrastructure is often challenging to implement. By linking two strategic locations within Sumatra, PASULI contributes to the nation's broader efforts to improve digital connectivity and bridge the digital divide across its diverse population.

Route and Landings

PASULI connects Muntok and Sungsang, two towns located on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Muntok, situated on the western coast of Bangka Island, is a key port town that historically served as a hub for tin mining and trade. Its location makes it strategically important for regional commerce and connectivity. Sungsang, on the southeastern coast of Sumatra, is a fishing village and a gateway to the Musi River delta, an area known for its economic activities tied to agriculture and fishing.

The cable traverses the shallow waters of the Bangka Strait, a narrow sea channel separating Bangka Island from mainland Sumatra. This relatively short route of 40 kilometers reflects the cable's regional focus, targeting local connectivity rather than international links. The choice of these landing points highlights the importance of providing robust telecommunications infrastructure to smaller, economically significant towns that are often underserved by larger cable systems.

Ownership and History

PASULI is owned and operated jointly by FiberStar and XLSmart, two prominent players in Indonesia's telecommunications sector. FiberStar specializes in high-speed broadband services and has a strong presence in Indonesia, while XLSmart is affiliated with XL Axiata, one of the country's leading mobile network operators. The collaboration between these two companies underscores the growing demand for reliable and high-capacity digital infrastructure within Indonesia.

The cable was completed and became operational in 2019, aligning with Indonesia's broader push to expand its digital infrastructure. The Indonesian government has been actively investing in submarine cables and other telecommunications projects to support economic growth and improve internet access for its population. PASULI is part of this larger effort to enhance connectivity within the country, particularly in regions that are critical for trade and local development.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring indicates that PASULI has been performing reliably since its deployment in 2019. The cable's short length and regional focus contribute to its efficiency, with minimal latency observed in data transmission between Muntok and Sungsang. This is particularly beneficial for local businesses and residents who rely on stable internet connections for communication, commerce, and access to services.

Probes reveal that the cable operates effectively in the shallow waters of the Bangka Strait, where environmental conditions are relatively stable compared to deeper oceanic regions. The cable's design appears to account for the specific challenges of this geography, including potential risks from fishing activities and sediment movement. By providing consistent connectivity between its landing points, PASULI plays a vital role in supporting the digital needs of the surrounding communities.

As part of Indonesia's growing network of submarine cables, PASULI contributes to the country's efforts to improve regional connectivity. The cable's performance highlights the importance of investing in localized infrastructure to meet the demands of smaller towns and economically significant areas within Indonesia's vast archipelago.