Elon Musk Should Open Starlink Operations Center in Indonesia

Jakarta – Elon Musk as an owner of Starlink was asked to open a network operations center (NOC) in Indonesia, the Minister of Communication and Informatics Budi Arie Setiadi emphasized.

"Starlink should have an NOC in Indonesia, so the government can control and monitor the use of internet access in the country to prevent acts of online gambling, pornography, separatism, and prohibited activities according to the law and regulation," the minister said in an online press conference on Friday (May 24).

Minister Setiadi said his side will also ensure that Starlink – which operates under the company name Starlink Services Indonesia – collaborates with internet service providers in Indonesia to develop technology, improve services and networks, and increase resource capacity.

According to the minister, Starlink is committed to fulfilling its obligations as an internet service provider in line with the applicable regulations for the provision of internet services in Indonesia.

The minister also called on his ranks to monitor and evaluate Starlink's operational activities in Indonesia.

"This is important to ensure an equal playing field in the Indonesian telecommunications industry, and of course, for inclusive internet services for all Indonesian people," Minister Setiadi affirmed.

Since May 2024, Starlink has been operating in Indonesia. Its owner, Elon Musk, attended the inauguration of the service in Bali on May 19, 2024.

Furthermore, Minister Setiadi highlighted that Starlink has obtained satellite landing rights and a space radio license, with a validity period of a year with six types of certified equipment, including gateway antennas, routers, and user terminal antennas to operate in Indonesia.

Moreover, Starlink has received a Certificate of Operational Eligibility for the operation of closed networks via VSAT and the provision of multimedia services for internet access services, along with permits for the operation of closed fixed networks for VSAT media and the provision of multimedia services for internet access services.

Starlink's presence is expected to help the government achieve equal distribution of internet services across Indonesia, including in the frontier, outermost, and remote areas.