Elon Musk Launches Starlink Satellite Internet Service in Indonesia’s Bali
Elon Musk Launches Starlink Satellite Internet Service in Indonesia
Tech mogul Elon Musk made a grand entrance on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on Sunday to launch the Starlink satellite internet service in the country. Dressed in a traditional green Batik shirt, Musk was welcomed with a garland of flower petals at a community health clinic in Denpasar, where he unveiled the much-anticipated service alongside Indonesian ministers.
Indonesia, known for its vast archipelago of 17,000 islands and a population of over 270 million, has been eager to secure deals with Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX. The country has been seeking investments in battery technology and high-speed internet services for its remote regions.
During the launch ceremony, Musk conducted a speed test of the Starlink internet service with health workers in Indonesia’s remote areas, including the unserved island of Aru in Maluku province. Musk emphasized the potential of Starlink to revolutionize access to education and business opportunities in these underserved regions.
The agreement signed between the Indonesian government and SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace company that operates Starlink services, aims to enhance connectivity in the country’s health and education sectors. The details of the agreement were not disclosed during the event.
Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan highlighted the importance of Starlink in providing affordable high-speed internet services to remote areas, particularly in the health and education sectors. The minister emphasized the need for improved connectivity to address challenges in these critical areas.
Communication and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi explained that local internet providers in Indonesia struggle to reach outer islands due to limited coverage. Starlink’s low-orbit satellites are expected to bridge this gap and deliver faster internet with nationwide coverage.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin pointed out that a significant number of health clinics in Indonesia still lack internet access, hindering efficient communication and reporting. The introduction of Starlink is expected to facilitate real-time data exchange and improve access to healthcare services.
Musk’s visit to Bali coincides with his participation in the 10th World Water Forum, where global water and sanitation challenges are being addressed. The tech billionaire’s presence in Indonesia follows recent visits by other tech leaders, including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, signaling the country’s growing importance in the digital technology and information sectors.
Indonesia, under President Joko Widodo, has set ambitious goals for digital development as part of its Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision. The country aims to become one of the world’s top five economies by 2045, marking a significant milestone in its post-colonial history. Musk’s involvement in expanding internet access in Indonesia reflects the country’s commitment to embracing technological advancements for socio-economic progress.