Kominfo Talks of Starlink Office in Indonesia
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27 May 2024 19:44 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology (Kominfo) Nezar Patria said the satellite-based internet service provider Starlink is in the process of establishing an operational office or Network Operation Center (NOC) in Indonesia, subsequent to the commencement of its operational services since mid-May 2024.
“It (the construction of the office) is in progress,” said Nezar at Fairmont Jakarta on Monday, May 27, 2024.
In addition to the operational office, the Kominfo Ministry has formally requested Elon Musk to establish a gateway in Indonesia. Nezar conveyed that the government has not set a specific deadline for the NOC opening, but anticipates that it will be completed within this year.
According to him, the government does not rule out the possibility of fining the American billionaire if a Starlink NOC is not established in Indonesia. However, the ministry is still focused on the tax potential of operating Starlink. “We will discuss the fine later. The important thing is that they must comply with existing regulations,” Nezar remarked.
He also highlighted that the internet service could potentially be accessible in urban areas without adversely affecting local internet services. He assured that the government will not grant preferential treatment to Starlink.
To date, the Kominfo Ministry continues to oversee Starlink operations in remote areas. Following its launch in Bali some time ago, the Health Ministry has been utilizing Starlink to bolster health services in remote areas.
Previously, Kominfo Minister Budi Arie Setiadi emphasized the significance of Starlink in establishing a network operations center in Indonesia to help the government monitor competition among internet service providers. “This is crucial to ensuring the level playing field in Indonesia's telecommunications industry,” he said.
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