Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk arrived in Bali on Sunday to launch SpaceX’s Starlink internet service in Indonesia. The Indonesian government sees this as a crucial step in improving internet access and healthcare services in remote areas of the country.
Chief Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan welcomed Musk at the airport, where they discussed collaborations, including the inauguration of Starlink. Musk, known for his leadership at SpaceX and Tesla, will launch Starlink with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at a community health center in Denpasar, Bali.
The satellite unit of SpaceX has already obtained a permit to operate in Indonesia, allowing them to provide internet services to retail consumers. This move is part of Musk’s vision to provide equal internet access across the country, benefiting over 270 million people living in various time zones.
Indonesia is the third country in Southeast Asia where Starlink will operate, following Malaysia and the Philippines. Starlink has also been widely used in Ukraine for military, healthcare, and business purposes.
The launch of Starlink in Indonesia marks a significant milestone in bridging the digital divide and improving connectivity in remote areas. Musk’s visit to Bali highlights the importance of technology in advancing healthcare and communication services in developing countries.