SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has recently arrived in Indonesia to inaugurate the launch service provider's Starlink internet service in three locations in the Southeast Asian archipelago.
Elon Musk in Bali to Launch Starlink Satellite Internet, Promises to Ease Healthcare Woes
The tech billionaire, wearing Indonesia's national attire, batik, was greeted by Indonesian officials at one of the locations for the Starlink launch in Bali.
Reuters reports that Elon Musk was joined by the country's health minister, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, at one community health center in Bali to kick off the internet service.
The newly Starlink-connected locations in Indonesia—two health centers in Bali and one in Maluku—are geared to benefit millions of people in remote rural areas. The Indonesian government greenlighted the launch last month.
According to the company, Starlink's satellite internet can be accessed virtually anywhere—while traveling on land or sea, in remote areas, or even in unfavorable weather conditions. Furthermore, it advertises download speeds of up to 220 Mbps with 20-60 ms latency.
As of March 2024, Starlink boasts over 6,000 small satellites in low Earth orbit, the most from any private space company.
A 2017 review of Indonesia's healthcare system highlights critical gaps in infrastructure as well as in the availability and quality of health workers. Many citizens have also reported experiencing inequities in access to healthcare.
The installation of Starlink satellite internet in Indonesia's far-flung regions, as highlighted by a video presentation during the launch ceremonies, can help the country advance efforts in addressing public health issues like malnutrition.
Speaking with the press, Elon Musk expressed his excitement about bringing connectivity to areas with low connectivity. He emphasized that having internet access enables people to "learn anything."
According to reports, Elon Musk is set to meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday and then give a talk at the World Water Forum in the country.
From 2020 to 2022, President Widodo reportedly discussed a potential partnership with Elon Musk's Tesla to tap into Indonesia's massive nickel reserves.
When asked by the press about possible talks about EVs during his Indonesian trip, Elon Musk clarified that his visit is focused on bringing Starlink to Indonesia.
Musk explained that the event is focused on Starlink and the benefits its connectivity brings to remote islands. He emphasized the importance of internet connectivity, noting that it can often be a lifesaver.
Indonesia is the third Southeast Asian country to connect to Starlink's satellite internet service. Ten months earlier, neighboring country Malaysia greenlighted Starlink to enter the country. In February 2023, Starlink's broadband service was rolled out for the public in the Philippines.
