In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review Asia during the Bali Annual Telecommunication International Conference (BATIC) 2024, Telin CEO, Budi Satria Dharma Purba, discussed Indonesia’s significant impact on the global digital landscape.
As the host of BATIC 2024, Telin aimed to elevate Indonesia's presence in the telecom industry and foster collaboration and innovation across the Asia Pacific.
Could you elaborate on why Telin decided to host the Bali Annual Telecommunication International Conference 2024?
We know that most of the global telecom and digital events are held in the U.S., Europe, and some Asian countries. Indonesia, being one of the largest populations with significant growth in digital services, deserves more representation in these spaces. We want to increase the presence of local players and drive the development of the digital ecosystem here.
Traveling overseas can be costly, and not all players can attend international events. As an Indonesian telco company, it’s our responsibility to facilitate this industry growth locally. That’s why we’re hosting the Bali Annual Telecommunication International Conference—to provide a platform for stakeholders in the digital ecosystem to collaborate, share ideas, and grow their businesses together.
What themes and urgent issues are being explored and discussed at BATIC 2024?
The theme for BATIC 2024 focused on the significant developments in the digital area, with a particular emphasis on AI.
AI is a hot topic globally, and supporting its growth in this region requires robust infrastructure, especially data centers and connectivity. On the first day of the conference, we discussed how ready the region is to support AI, especially in terms of connectivity and infrastructure. The urgency lies in the rapid surge in demand due to AI, and we need to ensure the region can handle it.
On the second day, the focus shifted to sustainability. AI and data centers require substantial energy, so it’s crucial to align their development with sustainability goals. We discussed energy-saving technologies, the expansion of renewable energy use, and reducing carbon emissions toward net-zero goals.
This discussion is vital as it reflects our industry's responsibility to contribute to a sustainable future, and we hope to adopt initiatives from other regions that can be implemented here.
Can you share some key initiatives or partnerships that Telin is pursuing to shape the company’s future in the global digital landscape?
Telin is primarily focused on digital infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on subsea cables. We are actively involved in several international subsea cable projects, such as SJC-2, Bifrost Cable, and SMW-6. Additionally, we’ve initiated a new project called ICE Systems—the Indonesia Cable Express—with the vision of making Indonesia a hub for subsea cables in the Asia Pacific.
This initiative aligns with the development of data centers in the region, which require increased capacity and connectivity. To achieve this, we collaborate with other carriers, players, and hyperscalers. It's a collaborative effort; no one can do it alone. We’ve already formed conversations with global players for six out of seven planned systems as part of the ICE project. This project will connect Indonesia to other Asian countries, including Korea, Japan, and the U.S., as well as Australia, South Asia, and the Middle East. These partnerships are crucial for accelerating infrastructure development and strengthening Indonesia’s position in the global digital landscape.
How does Telkom Group perceive the role of BATIC in strengthening Indonesia's position on the global telecommunications stage?
Telkom Group sees BATIC as a key platform for fostering collaboration between local players and international technology and telecom companies. By hosting BATIC, we aimed to accelerate the growth of Indonesia's digital economy, which is a critical pillar in our nation's vision to become one of the top five economies in the world.
BATIC is not just about enhancing our brand's global presence; it's about contributing to Indonesia's broader digital ambitions. By bringing together industry leaders from around the world, BATIC helps position Indonesia as a key player in the global telecommunications arena. It allowed us to showcase our capabilities, share knowledge, and explore partnerships that can drive both local and international growth. Ultimately, BATIC strengthens Indonesia’s role in shaping the future of global telecommunications.
