SEAToday.com, Barcelona – At Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, Indonesia unveiled a comprehensive Subsea Ecosystem Development Program, signaling a major push to cultivate local digital talent and solidify its position as a key player in the global digital economy. The initiative is backed by a powerful consortium of organizations, including the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (KOMDIGI), Telkom University, GSMA, and a host of industry leaders.

Recognizing the critical role of subsea cables in the nation's digital infrastructure, the program will focus on delivering cutting-edge training, research opportunities, and hands-on experience in subsea cable technologies and related disciplines. By fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government, the program aims to create a robust pipeline of skilled professionals capable of driving innovation and ensuring Indonesia's digital infrastructure meets international standards.

Key Objectives:

• Capacity Building: Equipping Indonesian professionals and students with advanced skills in subsea cable systems, network design, and digital infrastructure management.
• Industry-Academia Collaboration: Leveraging Telkom University's expertise and industry partners' technical knowledge to create a strong learning ecosystem.
• Innovation and Research: Promoting research and development in subsea technology to enable Indonesia to contribute to global advancements.
• Global Competitiveness: Preparing Indonesian talent to compete globally, ensuring the nation’s digital infrastructure meets international standards.

Stakeholder Perspectives:

• Lia Yuldinawati, Director of Strategic Partnership & International Office, Telkom University: "This program aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring our graduates are fully prepared to face the demands of the industry.”
• Nezar Patria, Vice Ministry of Communication and Digital of Republic of Indonesia: “This initiative is strategically important... to establish Indonesia as a leading player and provider of expert talent in the all-important submarine cable sector."
• Kevin Henry, Head of Strategic Engagement APAC, GSMA: "This program can create a sustainable ecosystem that will drive innovation and economic growth to address unique challenges in Indonesia, drive job creation, and connectivity for all prosperity.”
• Kharisma, Chief Commercial Officer, Telin: "This submarine cable program will also drive the demand for digital balance and infrastructure... Telkom Group is very supportive of initiatives that come from the community."
• Desmond Cheung, Director & Chief Technology Officer, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison: "This program strengthens Indonesia’s digital infrastructure while fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government to create opportunities for young talent to thrive in the global digital economy."
• Nico Roehrich, Director, Network Investments, APAC, Meta: "Meta is committed to the development of subsea cables around the globe… This commitment includes supporting the future talent required to grow and sustain the submarine cable ecosystem."
• Feby Sallyanto, Chief of Enterprise, XL Axiata: "This program is not merely a short-term initiative, but a milestone for the future of Indonesia subsea connectivity."
• Teguh Prasetya, CEO, Alita Praya Mitra: "This collaboration sets a benchmark for public-private partnerships in the telecommunications sector."
• Roger Pardede, Head of Inter-Institutional Relations Division, ASKALSI: "ASKALSI will actively engage in this program to share their expertise on technological advancement, research and development, policy, and public awareness."
• AJARI Representative: "More than just training, this initiative bridges the skills gap, drives innovation, and empowers future industry leaders."

Program Launch and Next Steps:

The Subsea Ecosystem Development Program is slated to officially begin in Q4 2025, featuring a series of workshops, training sessions, and research projects across Indonesia. Partnerships with international organizations will provide participants with global exposure and opportunities.

About the Subsea Ecosystem Development Program:

The Subsea Ecosystem Development Program is a collaborative initiative aimed at building Indonesia’s capacity in subsea digital infrastructure. Supported by KOMDIGI, Telkom Group, Telin, Telkom University, IOH, XL Axiata, Meta, Ciena, Ajari, Alita, and the Telecom Infra Project, the program focuses on talent development, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration to strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global digital economy.