Called Involved In Gaza Conflict, Golkar Legislator Asks Government To Reject Starlink Investment

UNSPLASH/Maria Shalabaieva ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives, Firnando H Ganinduto, reminded the government to strongly reject Starlink's investment in the country. He stressed that Indonesia's spirit is to fully support Palestinian independence.

This was conveyed by Firnando in response to a petition that said Starlink was involved in the massacre of children and women in Gaza.

"If indeed Starlink is affiliated with the construction of communication infrastructure for Israel during the war, which technically Starlink can be used as an infrastructure for communications everywhere. So we should strongly reject Starlink", said Firnando to reporters, Tuesday, November 19.

"Because it is in accordance with the spirit of the Republic of Indonesia to always fully support Palestinian independence and reject all wars that exist on this earth," he continued.

In the petition circulating, it is stated that Israel, which actively uses advanced technology to support its military operations, has used Starlink services to strengthen communication infrastructure during the conflict.

With the high-speed internet network and resistance to the disturbance, Starlink is considered to be possible to support military coordination and real-time regional monitoring.

This connection is claimed to be necessary for the safety and efficiency of operations. But on the other hand, this technology indirectly takes part in an increase in attacks targeting the Gaza region. As Israel's communication infrastructure remains intact, Palestinians often lose access to information, communications, and even emergency services exacerbate their suffering.

The petition also said airstrikes and bombings launched with high technology support, including satellite-based communications, had caused thousands of casualties and bloodshed everywhere. Even casualties fell, not only men but also women and children were targeted.

Petition also alluded to the blood of Palestinian children who are in the spotlight because internationally Israel has violated the rules that have become an agreement. In addition, blocking access to technology for the Palestinian people deepens digital inequality.

Meanwhile, Starlink, actually has a role to play in supporting Israeli infrastructure. Gazans struggle to stay connected to the outside world, either to ask for international help or just to let their families know they are still alive.

Meanwhile, a public policy observer, Trubus Rahadiansyah, encouraged the government to find out the truth of the petition. According to him, information circulating to the public must be accommodated as a warning so as not to make the wrong decisions, one of which is in determining cooperation with Starlink.

"In my opinion, it needs to be proven, if it is involved, it's just that it's also media information, we also need to act that there must be data, if there is data that strengthens it, we need to postpone cooperation with starlink," Trubus said, Tuesday, November 19.

Trubus assessed that the government must verify the information circulating in the midst of society. Moreover, he said, Indonesia's losses to the war in Gaza were quite large, for example the bombing of Indonesian hospitals at the location of the conflict.

"That's right, we also have to consider Indonesia itself, Indonesia's losses in Gaza are also very large, hospitals are being bombed. So whether we need to act, our attitude is firm in supporting Indonesia's independence," he said.

Trubus hopes that the government will be careful in deciding on cooperation with Starlink. Moreover, the investment value of Starlink in Indonesia is very small and has little good impact on the country's economy.

"After all, investment in Indonesia is also very small, if I'm not mistaken IDR 30 billion, there are also few employees, because the hope is that there will be employment, but in fact it won't, because the head office is also in Malaysia. Not in Indonesia, in Indonesia it is rich in branch offices," said Trubus.