TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Minister of Communications and Information (Kominfo) Budi Arie Setiadi revealed the reasons behind the decision related to the network trials of Starlink that will be carried out in the State Capital Nusantara or IKN. He said that as a U.S.-based telecommunications service provider employs satellite technology, the trials must be conducted in areas with minimal telecommunications infrastructure to gauge its efficacy.

“The trials cannot be done in Jakarta. They must be performed in an area with minimal telecommunication infrastructure to determine whether the product is good,” Budi Arie said after attending the Kominfo Halal Bihalal gathering at the Kominfo’s Anantakupa Field on Tuesday, April 16.

He said that the government would provide the same opportunity for any telecommunications company to operate in Indonesia, provided that they comply with the existing regulations of the country.

The network trial plan of Starlink at IKN is scheduled for May 2024. Budi Arie hoped that Starlink would be operational by the Independence Day celebration on August 17 at IKN, Penajem Paser Utara, East Kalimantan.

“If the trial proceeds well, and the operational feasibility test is issued, we will permit Starlink to operate,” Budi Arie said.

Previously, the Director General of Post and Information Technology at the Kominfo Ministry, Wayan Tony Supriyanto, confirmed that Starlink has initiated the process of obtaining the licenses to operate in Indonesia.

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