Kendari, Indonesia

Connectivity in Kendari, Indonesia: A Regional Hub in Southeast Sulawesi

Kendari, the capital city of Southeast Sulawesi, plays a significant role in Indonesia's submarine cable network. With four cables landing here, Kendari is among the top 96% of Indonesia's 143 landing points by cable count. While it may not rival major hubs like Batam (20 cables) or Jakarta (10 cables), Kendari's connectivity is essential for linking the eastern regions of Indonesia to the broader national network.

Submarine Cables Landing in Kendari

Kendari hosts four submarine cables, each serving distinct purposes in Indonesia's domestic connectivity: 1. **Barat Timur Indonesia-2 (BTI-2)**: Spanning 11,600 km, this cable connects Kendari to nine other landing points, including major hubs like Batam and Semarang. BTI-2 stitches together Indonesia's vast archipelago, ensuring seamless communication across the country. 2. **SMPCS Packet-1**: Operational since 2015, this 3,156 km cable links Kendari to 11 other locations, including Ambon, Sorong, and Ternate. It strengthens connectivity in eastern Indonesia, a region known for its scattered islands and remote communities. 3. **Indonesia Tengah Cable Systems**: Set to be ready for service in 2027, this 2,641 km cable will connect Kendari to nine other points, including Baubau, Makassar, and Wakatobi. It promises to enhance regional connectivity and support the growing economic activities in Southeast Sulawesi. 4. **Palapa Ring Middle**: Launched in 2018, this 2,100 km cable connects Kendari to 19 other points, such as Manado, Sofifi, and Tahuna. The Palapa Ring project is part of Indonesia's broader initiative to reduce the digital divide by connecting remote areas to the national network.

Regional Positioning

While Kendari may not boast the cable density of Batam or Jakarta, its strategic location on Kendari Bay makes it a key node for eastern Indonesia. The cables landing here primarily serve domestic purposes, linking Kendari to other cities and regions within Indonesia. This local focus contrasts with hubs like Batam, which often serve as international gateways. Kendari's neighbors, such as Makassar (6 cables) and Manado (8 cables), also play significant roles in regional connectivity. Together, these landing points form a network that supports the economic and social development of Sulawesi and beyond.

Latency Insights

GeoCables' monitoring reveals an average round-trip latency of 295 ms from Kendari, with the best observed latency at 208 ms. These figures highlight the challenges of connecting remote regions, but they also underscore the progress made in reducing delays and improving network performance.

Economic and Geographic Context

Kendari is not just a landing point for submarine cables-it is the economic heart of Southeast Sulawesi. With a population of over 350,000 and a strategic location on Kendari Bay, the city serves as a trade center with a major port and airport. The cables landing here support the city's growing economy, enabling businesses to stay connected and competitive in an increasingly digital world.

Conclusion

Kendari's four submarine cables play a pivotal role in linking the eastern regions of Indonesia to the national network. While not a major international hub, Kendari's connectivity supports local industries, facilitates communication across the archipelago, and ensures that Southeast Sulawesi remains an integral part of Indonesia's digital future.