DIGIVESTASI - The Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) has called for the suspension of the retail license for Starlink's satellite-based internet services. In response, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) provided a clarification.

Aju Widya Sari, Director of Telecommunications at the Directorate General of Post and Informatics of Kominfo, explained that Elon Musk's company has already established Network Operation Centers (NOCs) for Starlink in Cibitung and Karawang.

"The NOC is already in Indonesia, which is one of the requirements for the Operational Feasibility Test (ULO), and it has been proven that the NOC is in Indonesia," Aju said, as quoted on Wednesday (May 29, 2024).

"The NOCs were built before the permit was issued, with one in Karawang and another in Cibitung. The gateway in Cibitung can be remotely managed from Karawang," she added.

Therefore, Starlink's operational license will not be suspended as they have obtained and met the requirements to operate in Indonesia.

According to her, companies that have obtained licenses are entitled to operate in Indonesia as long as they do not violate regulations.

Previously, APJII had proposed that the government review Starlink's license and take firm actions regarding compliance with the established rules.

APJII also recommended that the government reconsider Starlink's license, including the division of operational coverage areas.

Minister of Communication and Information Technology Budi Arie Setiadi recently urged Starlink to fulfill Kominfo's ULO requirements.

APJII pointed out that there was no Starlink NOC in Indonesia. APJII Chairman Muhammad Arif expressed concerns that the government might be discriminatory and lenient towards Starlink's operations, which could threaten the business of local internet service providers (ISPs) in the regions.

"The presence of Starlink in rural areas could reduce the diversity and choice of services for local communities and potentially threaten the sustainability of local ISPs," Arif said.

Here are the four recommendations issued by APJII regarding Starlink's operations in Indonesia:

1. Suspension of direct sales licenses (retail) for Starlink services until clearer regulations are implemented.2. The government is expected to reopen discussions and reconsider decisions related to Starlink's license, the division of operational coverage areas, and licensing authority, taking into account feedback from all stakeholders.
3. Encouraging the government to take fair and prudent steps to maintain balance and health in the telecommunications industry in Indonesia, so that the benefits can be felt by all communities.
4. If the government is unable to regulate competition and maintain industry health, APJII demands that the Universal Service Obligation (USO) Rights of Use Fee (BHP) collection be stopped.

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