New optical technology and a 2,000-kilometre subsea cable system aim to deliver higher capacity, stronger reliability and improved connectivity across key Indonesian regions
Jakarta, 21 August 2026 – ION Network is expanding its digital infrastructure in Indonesia by deploying a new high-capacity submarine cable system to strengthen nationwide connectivity. The ION Cable System 1, known as ICS1, will use advanced optical technology to support the growing demand for internet, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence services.
The new cable system will cover more than 2,000 kilometres, connecting Jakarta and Singapore through submarine cable routes and protected terrestrial routes across Sumatra. The project is expected to improve network reliability and provide high-performance connectivity for more than 250,000 homes across Bali, Java and Sumatra.
At the center of the project is Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme technology, also known as WL6e. Operating on Ciena’s 6500 platform, the technology is designed to support faster transmission of large volumes of data. This will help create the infrastructure needed to meet the increasing demand for data-intensive digital services.
The ICS1 system is expected to deliver wavelength services of up to 1.2 terabits per second and end-to-end capacity of up to 24 terabits per second. Across its six cable segments, the network is designed to reach a total capacity of 288 terabits per second using two fibre pairs.
Such capacity is becoming increasingly important as businesses and consumers depend more heavily on cloud platforms, AI applications, video services and other connected technologies. These services require reliable networks that can carry large volumes of information at high speeds.
For Indonesia, building strong digital infrastructure is particularly challenging because the country consists of thousands of islands. Terrestrial fibre networks alone cannot connect all regions, making subsea cable systems an important part of the country’s wider connectivity network.
The ICS1 project will also use advanced Layer 0 control plane capabilities. In simple terms, this technology helps operators manage the underlying optical network more efficiently. It can improve service availability and make it easier to respond to changing network demands.
ION Network, previously known as HSPnet, is developing the project as part of its wider strategy to expand high-capacity connectivity in Indonesia. The company already uses Ciena’s optical technology on its B3JS and BDMCS cable systems, which support important routes in the region.
The latest deployment is being carried out with PT Lancs Arche Consumma, also known as LANCS. ICS1 is scheduled to become operational by the end of 2026, adding another major route to ION Network’s growing digital infrastructure.
One of the main drivers behind the investment is rising bandwidth demand. AI applications and cloud computing require increasing amounts of network capacity. As organizations adopt more cloud-based technologies and consumers use more digital services, telecommunications companies are investing in faster and more scalable infrastructure.
The project could also support ION Network’s plans to expand its fibre-to-the-home services. A stronger backbone network can provide the capacity needed to extend high-speed connectivity to more communities over time.
With more than 2,000 kilometres of submarine and terrestrial routes, ICS1 is set to become an important addition to Indonesia’s connectivity infrastructure. As the system moves toward its planned launch, it could support the country’s growing digital economy while providing the network capacity needed for cloud computing, AI and other high-bandwidth services.
