DIGIVESTASI - Starlink is officially operational in Indonesia. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk attended the 10th World Water Forum in Bali to launch Starlink services for retail customers in Indonesia.  From the WWF site, Elon Musk arrived at Companion Medical Center I Sumerta Kelod l, East Denpasar, Bali on Sunday afternoon (19 May 2024). Musk's appearance marked the start of Starlink Internet to Indonesia. 

Musk arrived at the location at 4:46 pm. He wore a typical Balinese cloth, green endek. This fabric is often used by Balinese people to attend formal events and even weddings.  

Musk's arrival was welcomed by Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Minister of Information and Communication (Menkominfo) Budi Arie Setiadi, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, also attended. Previously, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin revealed that there are around 10,000 health centers spread throughout Indonesia. He said that many health centers still have poor internet connection or no internet signal. “2,700 health centers have poor connectivity and 700 (health centers) have no connectivity,” said Budi Gunadi. 

According to Budi, adequate internet is very important to provide optimal medical services. Especially for puskesmas in remote areas that do not have health experts such as specialists. One of the solutions used is Elon Musk's Starlink Internet. 

Compare with fiber optic Internet 
Regarding Starlink, Minister of Information and Communication Budi Arie Setiadi compared its speed with fiber optic cable (fixed broadband). He said that the speed of fiber optic internet is still higher than satellite internet services. 
“Fixed broadband is still the fastest. It can reach speeds of 300 Mbps,” said Budi Arie in Nusa Dua, Bali.

However, Arie assessed that Internet services through fiber optic cables still have weaknesses. Especially when internet service coverage is limited and difficult to reach remote areas. He said satellite internet services are still needed for inland, underdeveloped, and remote areas. According to him, wired internet is only a solution for urban areas. 

“If Indonesia is as big as this region using fixed broadband, it will be impossible to connect,” Budi said. 
Arie revealed that Internet with satellite connection also has disadvantages. He said that satellite-based internet networks are prone to disruptions when the weather changes. Furthermore, Arie explained, the government will continue to utilize SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's Starlink internet service, especially to improve health and education services in underdeveloped, disadvantaged, and remote (3T) areas. 

“In addition, we must also guarantee the security of Indonesian citizens' data,” he said. This is our obligation as a government.”

Broken in front of Elon Musk 
Ironically, when checking in front of its owner, Starlink's internet was down. The wireless network disconnected during repeated tests as medical staff at Puskesmas Bumbung, in Nusa Penida, Klungkung, Bali, gave explanations online. 

Elon Musk was seen looking and smiling slightly with his left hand holding his knee. He just nodded. After three outages, the network resumed functioning without problems and staff continued to interpret data on the health of babies and toddlers. The trial continued by networking the Denpasar health center with a health center in Aru Regency, Maluku. Elon waved at him. “Hello,” Musk said.

 
Elon Musk's satellite internet service is currently competing in the retail market of Indonesia's telecommunications industry. Arie, the Indonesian Minister of Information and Communication, promised to supervise. “In principle, I support telecommunications operations that comply with regulations and fair business competition,” Arie said. 

Arie explained that PT Starlink Service Indonesia has fulfilled various obligations to manage its business in Indonesia. Not only that, Starlink also fully implements the requirements related to licensing of telecommunications activities in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations, among others 

“For future implementation, I order the ranks of Kominfo to continue to monitor and discipline all telecommunications operators, including PT Starlink Service Indonesia,” Budi said. I must emphasize this to create orderly, safe telecommunications activities and fair commercial competition, in accordance with the laws and regulations, he added. 

Those who want to use Starlink's internet service can place an order through Starlink Indonesia's official website.

Here's how to register for the Starlink internet package. 
1. Open the website https://www.starlink.com/id 
2. Scroll down and fill in the “Service address” field, for example “Indonesia”. 
3. Click “Order Now” and the page will display the availability of Starlink in the region. 
4. Fill in your contact information and delivery address and click “Update delivery address”. 
5. The website will load the monthly service fee and hardware price selected by the user. 
6. The website will also display the shipping and handling fee of Rp 345,000. 
7. Next select “Order” 

Orders can only be placed via Mastercard or Visa credit or debit card. Estimated delivery time is 1-2 weeks. Specifically for Starlink for home use, the package includes a WiFi router, a 15-meter Starlink cable, a power cable, and a base station to connect the devices.  

Customers can do the installation themselves without the need for a technician by following the instructions available on the Starlink app. They will then receive the first monthly service bill after Starlink activation or 30 days after delivery.

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