Elon Musk Arrives In Bali For Starlink Launches That Will Improve Internet Access In Indonesia

Denpasar - Tycoon Elon Musk arrived in Denpasar, Bali on Sunday 19 May ahead of the launch of the Starlink internet service from SpaceX, which the Indonesian government hopes can increase internet penetration and health services in remote areas in the country.

The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, welcomed Musk on a private jet at Ngurah Rai airport on Sunday morning. In an upload on his Instagram page, Luhut said that they would discuss several important collaborations, including the inauguration of Starlink.

Luhu explained that equitable internet access in Southeast Asia's largest economy, which is home to more than 270 million people living in three time zones, will allow people in remote areas to enjoy the same fast internet as those living in urban areas.

Musk, head of SpaceX and Tesla, will launch Starlink with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at a public health center in Denpasar, the capital of Bali, on Sunday afternoon. Minister of Communication and Information Budi Arie Setiadi explained that Musk's satellite unit from SpaceX had obtained permission to operate in Indonesia.

"Starlink has obtained permission to operate as an internet service provider for retail consumers and has been granted permission to provide networks, after receiving a very small aperture terminal permit (VSAT)," said Budi Arie.

Indonesia is the third country in Southeast Asia where Starlink will operate. Malaysia issued a license for the company last year, and a Philippine-based company signed a deal with SpaceX in 2022.

Starlink is also widely used in Ukraine, where it is used by the military, hospitals, businesses, and aid organizations. In February, the country also urged SpaceX to act to prevent Russia from using the Starlink terminal for communications in areas occupied by Moscow forces.