Elon Musk launches Starlink internet service in Indonesia

Elon Musk and Indonesian health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has launched SpaceX's satellite internet service, Starlink, for the nation's health sector. 

Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, said that Starlink's service in Indonesia would help millions in remote areas to access the internet. 

"We're focusing this event on Starlink and the benefits that high bandwidth connectivity can bring to remote islands and to remote communities," said Musk in a video he posted on X.

"I think it's really important to emphasise the importance of internet connectivity and how much of a life saver that can be." 

Don't miss: Tesla and Starlink granted full foreign ownership in Malaysia

Starlink was launched at three Indonesian health centres, including two in Bali and one on the remote island of Aru in Maluku, reported Reuters. 

According to Musk, being connected to the internet provides Indonesians in remote areas access to learning and financial opportunities. 

"As I mentioned when you have access to the internet, you can learn anything," said Musk.

"If you have some goods or services you wish to sell to the world, even if you're in a remote village, you can now do so with internet connection. It can bring a lot of prosperity to your own communities." 

In addition, Musk is also considering building an electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in the country, according to Reuters. 

Minister Luhut Pandjaitan reportedly said that an offer was made to Musk and added that the CEO of SpaceX will consider the offer. Luhut also reportedly asked Musk to consider investing in an AI centre and to build a launchpad in Biak island in Indonesia's Papua province. 

Indonesia's government has been trying to lure Musk's Tesla for years now. This is especially since the government is interested in developing the country's EV sector. 

In July last year, the Indonesian government proposed a set of new incentives to manufacturers of EVs such as Tesla and Build Your Dreams (BYD). The proposed incentives used were similar incentives offered by its regional rivals such as Thailand and Vietnam. 

Closer to home, Malaysia has allowed Tesla and Starlink Internet Services Malaysia to operate in the country as fully foreign-owned entities. The decision was made after considering the benefits the companies could bring to the nation.  

The decision was also part of the Malaysian government’s aim to expand and diversify the manufacturing sector through existing and new companies.

Photo courtesy Teslaconomics, X 

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