TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) confirmed that Starlink has started fulfilling permits to operate in the country, both for the use of VSAT technology and as a telecommunications provider or Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Kominfo Minister Budi Arie Setiadi affirmed that the government would not practice any sort of preferential treatment towards companies providing telecommunications services from the United States, in order to maintain a level playing field among ISPs.

“We do not grant favoritism, but rather ensure fair treatment to all companies operating in the telecommunications sector,” Budi said as quoted from the Kominfo website on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

According to Budi, the presence of Elon Musk’s satellite technology will pose a challenge for all cellular operators in Indonesia. Budi hoped that Indonesian companies would innovate and provide better services to the community.

He said that technology is constantly evolving and causing disruption. Starlink introduces new technology in low earth orbit or LEO satellite connectivity. Its satellite connectivity will be better suited to serve areas that cannot be reached by fiber optic cable infrastructure networks.

Due to Indonesia’s unique geographical conditions in each region, the choice of technology could not be the same. “[Internet network in] cities can use optic networks, but in rural areas or 3T (the frontier, outermost and remote regions), satellite technology could be economical,” the minister said.

Budi also confirmed that Starlink’s network trials will be conducted in the Indonesian capital or IKN in May 2024, and is expected to commence operation at the Independence Day ceremony on August 17, provided that the operational feasibility test has been issued.

AISYAH AMIRA WAKANG

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