Govt Ensures Elon Musk's Starlink Data Security

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) ensures Starlink's data security. The Indonesia-based command control, Network Operation Center, or NOC carried out the security for Starlink. NOC functions as a control room responsible for monitoring, operating, and recording all types of activities in the network.

Before starting operations in Indonesia, Starlink has also completed a series of requirements to obtain a usage permit. "The NOC already exists, as part of operating permit requirements,” said Director of Telecommunication, Communications, and Information, Aju Widya Sari, to Tempo, Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

So far, only two Starlink NOC units are available, one is designated as a customer service center. The NOCs are established in West Cikarang and the Indonesian Data Center Building in Karawang. 

This statement also responds to the question about Starlink's operating permit in Indonesia. According to Widya, the government has requested the Elon Musk company to complete all requirements before it can operate.

"If it is operational, it means the permit is in place. So don't get the wrong impression that this NOC is presented when Starlink is already operating. The NOC was processed before the service letter was issued," said Widya. With the NOC, the government can monitor service and technical disruptions at Starlink. 

Kominfo’s Director General of Public Information and Communication, Usman Kansong, asked Starlink users not to worry about data security. According to him, the government through its regulations has ensured personal and state data are not compromised by Starlink.

"The Personal Data Protection (GDP) Law has also been enacted, and Starlink must comply with the law," said Usman on Tuesday, noting the extraterritorial nature of the regulation. 

Several academics have questioned the data security of Starlink. One of them was the Director of the Advanced Intelligent Communications (AICOMS) Center of Excellence at Telkom University, Khoirul Anwar. According to him, the state must intervene to prevent wiretapping from other parties.

Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) School of Electrical and Informatics Engineering lecturer M. Ridwan Effendi also highlighted national security issues related to the possibility of wiretapping and privacy issues. 

ALIF ILHAM FAJRIADI

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