- Musk arrived in Bali via private jet and attended the launch ceremony in Denpasar.
- Indonesia’s chief investment minister, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, welcomed Musk and discussed collaborations, including the inauguration of Starlink.
- Starlink aims to provide high-speed internet to remote areas, bridging the connectivity gap between urban and rural areas.
Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, introduced Starlink, his satellite internet service, in Indonesia on Sunday to improve access in remote regions of the archipelago. Starlink aims to provide fast internet to remote areas, with initial deployment at three health centres.
Boosting connectivity in remote regions
Musk’s visit to Indonesia marks the launch of Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, at three health centres in Bali and Maluku.
Starlink’s satellites in low orbit promise faster internet speeds with nationwide coverage. The government prioritises remote regions for Starlink’s services to address health, education, and maritime challenges.
Musk emphasised the significance of internet connectivity. “I’m very excited to bring connectivity to places that have low connectivity,” Musk said at the event, “If you have access to the internet you can learn anything.”
Also read: Solar storm disrupts Musk’s Starlink satellites
Commercial availability and expansion plans
Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi confirmed Starlink’s commercial availability while prioritising underdeveloped areas. “Our remote regions need Starlink to expand high-speed internet services, especially to help with problems in the health, education and maritime sectors,” Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s chief investment minister, told reporters ahead of the ceremony in Denpasar.
Starlink obtained permits to operate as an internet service provider, including a permit for very small aperture terminals (VSAT).
Musk has plans to meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday and is also slated to speak at the World Water Forum being held on the island.
Also read: Wireless Logic and Blue Wireless partners with Starlink for IoT
Regional expansion and licensing
Starlink’s entry into Indonesia follows permits secured for operation, including retail consumer services and network provision.
Indonesia marks the third country in Southeast Asia where Starlink will be operational. Previously, Malaysia granted the company a license to offer internet services in the previous year, while a Philippines-based firm entered into an agreement with SpaceX in 2022.
