Supposedly Free, Starlink Services For Sumatra Flood Victims Allegedly Become Extortion

The flash floods and landslides that hit Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and surrounding areas had caused the disappearance of the internet network so that Starlink assistance was deployed.

This support was also conveyed directly by SpaceX, a company owned by Elon Musk, through the official Starlink account. However, many parties are suspected of using the support of this satellite network to earn money.

This allegation of illegal levies (extortion) was first conveyed by the Narraesya account via X, previously known as Twitter. The account says that Starlink services, which should be free of charge for the victims, are actually charged.

"Information from my friend in Langsa, Aceh, during the Sumatra flood, the Starlink service that should have been free was rented for 20 thousand rupiah per hour. What should we do?" write the account, quoted on Wednesday, December 3.

In addition to being charged Rp. 20,000 per hour, several parties are known to have to pay Rp. 10,000 for one device. After this issue was widely discussed, a number of parties stated that residents were charged fees because the Starlink network was privately owned.

This means that this network comes from routers of residents who already have Starlink before, not free services from SpaceX which are still being deployed by the government. Until now, it is not known how widely the spread of Starlink is free in the Sumatra region.

Free Starlink Internet Support Facts

In accordance with SpaceX's recent statement, Starlink will be provided free of charge for residents affected by the flash flood disaster. This free aid applies to old and new customers.

"For those affected by severe flooding in Indonesia, Starlink provides free services for new and existing customers until the end of December," SpaceX said through its official Starlink account.

The company also added that it is actively cooperating with the government in distributing free Starlink aid. However, it is not clear how many terminals were distributed in the Sumatra region.

"We are also working with the Indonesian government to quickly deploy the terminal and restore connectivity to the hardest-hit areas in Sumatra," added SpaceX.