Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite company has received official business licenses to operate in Indonesia, confirmed by a senior official from the communication and information ministry on Thursday.
With its network of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink aims to provide internet connectivity to remote areas or regions where traditional communication infrastructure is lacking.
Indonesia, comprised of over 17,000 islands, faces challenges in connecting millions of its citizens to reliable internet services. Recognizing this, Jakarta is actively seeking solutions to bridge the digital divide.
Usman Kansong, a senior figure at the communication and information ministry, announced that Starlink has been granted approval to commence operations in Indonesia. The company, known as PT Starlink Service Indonesia, has secured business licenses for telecommunication operations, including VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) closed fixed networks and an ISP (Internet Service Provider) business permit.
This authorization grants Starlink the authority to deliver telecommunication services throughout the sprawling archipelago nation. The company is slated to conduct trials of its services this month in Nusantara, the planned new capital on the island of Borneo, set to open in August. The commercial launch will follow later.
Indonesia’s decision to relocate its capital from Jakarta, a city grappling with severe congestion and the threat of rising sea levels, underscores the urgency of improving connectivity. With only two-thirds of the population having internet access as of 2022, according to the World Bank, initiatives like Starlink hold promise for expanding connectivity nationwide.
Starlink has already established its presence in Southeast Asia, offering services in Malaysia and the Philippines.
