Discussing Starlink Polemics, Deputy Minister Of Communication And Information Reveals The Importance Of The Presence Of Satellite Connectivity

Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Nezar Patria (photo: Rana/VOI)

JAKARTA Starlink's presence in Indonesia is still a matter of debate, both due to urgency and legality. Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics Nezar Patria also provided an explanation regarding the issue of Starlink. In the Sea Peace Lab discussion forum, a program from Paramadina University, Nezar said that networks throughout Indonesia have relied on fiber optics so far. Fiber optics is a signal transmission channel through cables. This signal is running well, but only in some areas. There are still areas that cannot be affordable so that more sophisticated and free of obstacles are needed networks. Therefore, Starlink is allowed to operate in Indonesia. "You know all that fiber optics connects this archipelago, from west to east, but there are several gaps that cannot be reached by optical fiber. Therefore, one other connection system is needed," explained Nezar. Starlink is a satellite belonging to SpaceX which is launched into space and placed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Nezar explained that LEO is a very promising location because it has the lowest latency. Although the network from Starlink is very strong because it relies on more than 5,000 satellite networks in orbit, Nezar emphasizes that Starlink is only a complement to underdeveloped networks of connections, particularly in the Disadvantaged, Leading, and Outermost (3T) areas.

The Starlink Security Problem Elon Musk, the owner of SpaceX, passed the Starlink operation on May 19 and this satellite network is legal throughout Indonesia. After being ratified, there were concerns in terms of legal and defense security. Nezar realized that many parties doubted Starlink's legality. However, he emphasized that Starlink had fulfilled all the necessary permits, ranging from business entities to taxpayers' provisions. Meanwhile, regarding defense issues, Nezar said that the threat to the state was not only Starlink. The reason is, various countries already have current military satellites and all of these satellites can be threats at any time. "There are Chinese companies, America, Europe, and several other countries (others). There are many military satellites up there that we don't know when it will launch," said Nezar.