Elon Musk Inaugurates Starlink in Indonesia After Years of Wooing by President Jokowi

Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s persistent efforts to attract Elon Musk’s investment in the country’s electric vehicle sector seem to have paid off. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently visited Indonesia after being courted by Jokowi for years. While in Indonesia, Musk inaugurated SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, aiming to improve connectivity in remote areas of the country.

This move comes after Indonesia granted Starlink a license to operate, making it the third Southeast Asian country to approve the satellite internet service. With more than 20% of Indonesians lacking internet access, Musk’s initiative could have a significant impact on bridging the digital divide in the archipelago.

During his visit, Musk hinted at the possibility of his other companies investing in Indonesia, leveraging the country’s vast nickel reserves. Indonesia’s ban on nickel ore exports aims to encourage local processing and refining, attracting foreign investment. However, the shift towards nickel-free batteries in the EV industry poses a challenge to Indonesia’s nickel bet.

Despite the risks, Jokowi’s efforts to attract foreign investment have seen success with companies like BYD and VinFast pledging to build manufacturing facilities in Indonesia. Other tech giants like Microsoft and Apple are also eyeing investments in the country, signaling Indonesia’s growing appeal as a hub for innovation and development.

While Jokowi’s ambitious plans to move Indonesia’s capital have faced challenges, Musk’s visit and potential investments signal a new chapter in Indonesia’s economic growth. As Musk meets with Jokowi at the World Water Forum in Bali, the future of Indonesia’s tech and EV sectors looks promising with the support of global industry leaders.