Satellite Internet Service Launches to Expand Internet Access Across Indonesia

Bali, INTI – In a significant move to broaden internet access throughout Indonesia, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) has emphasized the importance of satellite internet services. Minister Budi Arie Setiadi affirmed that Kominfo will continuously monitor and evaluate all telecommunications service providers in the country.

"Kominfo will keep overseeing and regulating by conducting regular and continuous evaluations of all telecommunications providers, including PT Starlink in Indonesia," stated Minister Budi Arie during a live interview with CNN from the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center on Monday, May 20, 2024.

According to Law No. 36 of 1999 on Telecommunications, Minister Budi Arie stressed that all providers must comply with these regulations and their derivatives.

"PT Starlink Indonesia must fulfill its obligations as a telecommunications network provider according to the stipulated telecommunications operation permit," he asserted.

Minister Budi Arie also highlighted the need for telecommunications providers to ensure interoperability, consumer complaint services, and data privacy protection.

"This includes service interoperability to complement the national terrestrial network with their satellite network, providing transparent services and accessible complaint mechanisms, and ensuring data privacy protection," he explained.

Furthermore, Minister Budi Arie mentioned that PT Starlink Indonesia must offer non-discriminatory network cooperation based on business-to-business (B2B) agreements.

"For national bandwidth capacity needs, service coverage expansion, and quality of service improvement," he stated.

Minister Budi Arie also reminded telecommunications service providers to open partnership opportunities with multimedia internet access service providers.

"This includes not only research and technology development but also participation in developing technology experts and national capacity building," he emphasized.

Minister Budi Arie believes that satellite internet services can be an alternative solution for providing internet access, especially in remote areas. He pointed out that Indonesia's geographic conditions, with over 17,500 islands and mountainous regions, present unique challenges for digital infrastructure network provision.

"Aligned with Kominfo's priority to support digital transformation in Indonesia through expanding reach and improving service quality, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) technology by Starlink can reach areas that have not been accessible to internet services," he said.

The government is also committed to ensuring that telecommunications operations always comply with existing regulations and promote fair business competition. Minister Budi Arie stressed that current regulations mandate collaboration with local operators, covering service interoperability, network cooperation, technology research, and local capacity development.

"The presence of Starlink can become a partner for local operators for B2B collaboration. Additionally, Starlink Indonesia operates using Indonesian IPs, thus maintaining control over Starlink's operations in Indonesia," he revealed.

Addressing concerns over potential threats posed by satellite internet services, Minister Budi Arie announced plans to communicate with various stakeholders in the telecommunications sector.

"We hope to continuously coordinate and discuss with many ecosystem stakeholders to create fair regulations that also support the growth and advancement of digital transformation in Indonesia," he concluded.