Singapore and Indonesia have marked a major milestone in regional digital infrastructure with the landing of the Nongsa Changi Cable (NCC) in Batam, a project expected to strengthen ASEAN’s digital connectivity and support the region’s expanding digital economy. The development comes as ASEAN member states prepare to conclude the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, aimed at promoting cross border digital trade, data flows and digital payments.

Speaking at the cable landing ceremony, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong said the project reflects the growing importance of digital infrastructure as the foundation for future economic growth. He noted that Singapore and Indonesia bring complementary strengths to the initiative, with Singapore offering global connectivity and a trusted business environment, while Indonesia contributes scale, talent, land resources and renewable energy potential.

Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto described the subsea cable as the physical foundation of a new digital corridor connecting the two countries. Dian Siswarini, President Director of PT Telkom Indonesia, said the collaboration would improve route diversity and strengthen Singapore’s position as a regional digital hub while delivering mutual benefits to both nations.

The cable, developed by PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin) and BW Digital, with Nongsa Digital Park as a strategic partner, is expected to enhance connectivity for data centres, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other high bandwidth digital services.

The project reinforces the growing digital partnership between Singapore and Indonesia and is expected to play a key role in strengthening ASEAN’s competitiveness, attracting investment and supporting the region’s long term digital transformation.