On Sunday, Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, along with Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, inaugurated SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, which aims to enhance health services in remote regions of Indonesia. 

The launch event occurred at a community health center in Denpasar, Bali, highlighting a significant step toward improving internet connectivity in Indonesia’s vast and diverse archipelago.

Indonesia, home to over 270 million people and spanning three different time zones, faces substantial challenges in providing consistent internet access across its numerous islands. 

After arriving in Bali via private jet, Musk expressed his enthusiasm for the project while donning a traditional green batik shirt. 

Starlink’s deployment began with installations at three health centers, two in Bali and one on the remote island of Aru in Maluku. A video presentation during the launch illustrated how the high-speed internet service would enable real-time data input, crucial for addressing health issues such as stunting and malnutrition.

Musk emphasized the immediate focus on enhancing connectivity through Starlink, deflecting questions about potential investments in Indonesia’s electric vehicle (EV) industry.

The Indonesian government has been actively courting Tesla to establish EV manufacturing plants, leveraging Indonesia’s substantial nickel reserves. However, Musk’s priority remains establishing Starlink’s presence and capabilities.

Indonesian Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi highlighted that Starlink services are now commercially available, focusing on first reaching underdeveloped and remote regions. 

Before the launch, Starlink secured permits to operate as an internet service provider for retail consumers and received authorization to establish networks, including a tiny aperture terminal (VSAT) permit.

Starlink’s significant presence in the satellite internet domain is underscored by its ownership of around 60 percent of the approximately 7,500 satellites orbiting Earth. 

Indonesia is the third Southeast Asian nation to adopt Starlink’s services, following Malaysia, which issued a license last year, and the Philippines, which entered into a deal with SpaceX in 2022.