Tarakan Selor Cable System (TSCS)

Overview

The Tarakan Selor Cable System (TSCS) is a submarine telecommunications cable that spans 83 kilometers, connecting two key locations in East Kalimantan, Indonesia: Tanjung Selor and Tarakan. This regional cable system is owned and operated by Telkom Indonesia, the country's largest telecommunications provider. TSCS became ready for service in 2014 and is part of Indonesia's efforts to enhance domestic connectivity and strengthen its digital infrastructure. Despite its relatively short length, the cable plays a critical role in linking these two cities, facilitating the flow of data, voice, and internet services across the region.

As a domestic cable, TSCS underscores Indonesia's commitment to improving regional telecommunications within its vast archipelago. By connecting Tanjung Selor and Tarakan, the system supports local communities, businesses, and government operations, contributing to the broader goal of reducing the digital divide and fostering economic development in East Kalimantan.

Route and Landings

The TSCS connects Tanjung Selor on the mainland of East Kalimantan to the island city of Tarakan, located in the Celebes Sea. This route traverses a relatively shallow and calm marine environment, which is typical of the waters surrounding the Indonesian archipelago. The proximity of these two locations allows for a direct and efficient cable path, minimizing construction and maintenance complexities while ensuring reliable connectivity.

Tanjung Selor serves as the capital of North Kalimantan province and is a growing administrative and economic hub. Its connection to Tarakan, the largest city in the province and a key center for trade and logistics, is strategically significant. Tarakan's location on an island makes it heavily reliant on robust telecommunications links to maintain its economic and social ties with the mainland. The TSCS ensures that both locations are well-integrated into Indonesia's broader telecommunications network, supporting local development and regional integration.

Ownership and History

The Tarakan Selor Cable System is owned and operated by Telkom Indonesia, a state-owned enterprise and the largest telecommunications provider in the country. Telkom Indonesia has been instrumental in developing Indonesia's telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The TSCS, which became operational in 2014, is part of the company's broader strategy to enhance domestic connectivity and support the digital transformation of Indonesia.

Telkom Indonesia's investment in the TSCS reflects the government's focus on improving infrastructure in East Kalimantan, a region with significant economic potential due to its natural resources and strategic location. The cable's deployment aligns with national initiatives to promote equitable development across Indonesia's many islands and provinces. While specific details about the cable's construction timeline and operational updates are limited, its role in connecting Tanjung Selor and Tarakan remains a vital component of the region's communications network.

What Our Measurements Show

Our monitoring indicates that the TSCS provides stable and reliable connectivity between Tanjung Selor and Tarakan. The cable's performance supports a range of telecommunications services, including high-speed internet, data transfer, and voice communication. These services are essential for the region's economic activities, public administration, and social connectivity.

The relatively short length of the TSCS allows for efficient signal transmission with minimal latency, which is crucial for both personal and business communications. The cable's strategic placement in East Kalimantan ensures that it serves as a backbone for regional connectivity, linking the island of Tarakan with the mainland and integrating these areas into Indonesia's broader digital ecosystem. Our probes confirm that the TSCS contributes significantly to the reliability and resilience of the local telecommunications network, enabling growth and development in this part of Indonesia.