Indosat, Arsari launch fiber infrastructure platform with 86,000 km network

By Romel S. Gurky

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) and Arsari Group have launched PT Infra Fiber Teknologi (IFT), an independent fiber infrastructure platform that will operate more than 86,000 kilometers of fiber networks across Indonesia following the completion of a strategic asset transaction.

IFT will manage backbone, domestic submarine and access fiber networks under an open access wholesale model, serving telecommunications operators, enterprises, hyperscalers and digital service providers.

The launch follows the completion of a transaction first announced in December 2025, under which Indosat and PT Aplikanusa Lintasarta divested their shareholdings in IFT to PT Nusantara Fiber Teknologi (NFT), Arsari Group's investment platform.

Upon completion, Indosat and PT Aplikanusa Lintasarta collectively retained a 49.9% stake in NFT, while the IOH Group received gross proceeds of approximately IDR11.7 trillion (US$650 million), based on an exchange rate of IDR18,000 per U.S. dollar. Indosat said the proceeds will support investments in its core connectivity business, 5G rollout and AI ready digital services.

IFT said about 45% of its fiber network is located in Java, while the remaining 55% serves regions outside Java, positioning the company to expand digital connectivity across Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and eastern Indonesia.

The company plans to accelerate fiber deployment in underserved areas, expand wholesale partnerships with telecommunications operators and hyperscale cloud providers, and build infrastructure to meet growing demand for AI ready, high capacity connectivity.

Hendry Syam, president director of IFT, said the company aims to expand infrastructure to communities and businesses that remain underserved by existing digital networks.

The platform is jointly backed by shareholders with expertise in telecommunications, digital infrastructure investment and capital markets, and is designed to operate independently while pursuing strategic partnerships and attracting long term institutional capital.

Citi acted as exclusive financial adviser to Indosat on the transaction.

Editing by Alexander Ginting