31 October 2025
Fibre network operator Cabos de Timor-Leste (CTL) and Telin, the international subsidiary of Telkom Indonesia, have formalised their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to explore opportunities for enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, fostering stronger regional integration.
According to a joint statement, the MoU establishes a framework for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and potential joint projects, including the development of a bilateral submarine cable system to improve cross-border data transmission. Additional areas of collaboration may encompass submarine cable management, internet development, cybersecurity initiatives, and broader digital transformation efforts.
CTL, a state-owned entity created by the Timorese government in April to oversee the country’s submarine and terrestrial fibre networks, currently manages the 607km Timor-Leste South Submarine Cable (TLSSC). This is the country’s first international subsea cable, connecting Dili to the North-West Cable System operated by Vocus Group. Timor-Leste is also set to benefit from two more subsea cables by 2027—the Asia Connect Cable (ACC-1) from Inigo Networks and the Hawaiki Nui 1 system, developed by BW Digital and Telin.
Timor-Leste’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Maques Gonçalves Manetelu, highlighted that the MoU extends beyond infrastructure, emphasising its role in investing in human capital: “partnering with Telin, a global digital leader, provides Timor-Leste with a strategic partner that supports capacity building, access, and sustainable innovation.”
He also noted that the partnership aligns with Timor-Leste’s expanding role in Southeast Asia following its recent accession to ASEAN, aiming to contribute to regional digital integration.
Telin CEO Budi Satria Dharma Purba described the MoU as a foundation for long-term cooperation, emphasising its role in connecting nations, empowering communities, and accelerating regional digital transformation.
This MoU comes shortly after Timor-Leste signed a separate agreement with Malaysia on Saturday to collaborate on telecom infrastructure projects, and follows earlier initiatives such as the activation of data roaming services between the two countries earlier this month.
