Japan-based telecom operators are strengthening their presence in Southeast Asia (SEA), identifying Indonesia as a key regional hub. Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has announced plans to subsidise new maintenance centers in the country and introduce a legal framework this fiscal year to allow Japanese companies to export equipment and provide direct services.
In March 2025, Orex Sai, a joint venture (JV) between NTT Docomo and NEC, signed a 10 year agreement with Indonesian company Surge worth JPY500 billion (USD3.4 billion). The partnership will expand telecom services to underserved areas, positioning Indonesia as the base for broader ASEAN expansion.