EKBIS.CO, JAYAPURA -- State telecommunications operator PT. Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk (Telkom) is expanding its fiber optic cable network in Papua as part of efforts to boost connectivity in the country's easternmost province.

The network, called Papua Cable System (PCS), is part of Telkom's program to implement Indonesia Digital Network 2015 and to support the Master Plan for the Acceleration and Expansion of Indonesian Economic Development (MP3EI), Telkom President Director Arief Yahya said here on Saturday.

"Through this infrastructure development, Telkom is committed to increasing connectivity in Indonesia, particularly the eastern part, in such a way that information can be distributed to the public in an even manner," he said on the sidelines of the groundbreaking for the PCS.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa was accompanied by Papua Governor Lukas Enembe and West Papua Governor Abraham O Atururi.

To carry out the project, Telkom is teaming with Japan's NEC Corporation, acting as a vendor for the 2,000-km fiber optic network.

"This PCS project consists of the installation of fiber optic cable in northern Papua covering Sorong, Manokwari, Biak, Sarmi and Jayapura, and southern Papua covering Fakfak, Kaimana and Timika, at a cost of US$71.1 million. The project is scheduled for completion in November-December 2014," he said.

In May 2013, Telkom also launched the groundbreaking for the installation of a fiber optic network, called the Maluku Cable System (MCS).

Telkom is cooperating with Alcatel Submarine Network in carrying out the project, scheduled for completion in August 2014.

Once the project is completed, local residents will have access to internet service, exchanging information at speeds of 100 gigabits per second, he said.