President Jokowi and Elon Musk to Inaugurate Starlink Broadband Services in Bali
Bali, The Gulf Observer: In a groundbreaking collaboration poised to revolutionize Internet connectivity, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Elon Musk, the visionary founder of aerospace giant SpaceX, are set to inaugurate the broadband services of the company’s satellite constellation Starlink in Bali province on Sunday, May 19, 2024.
Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan disclosed that the launch of Starlink’s Internet services is scheduled to coincide with the 10th World Water Forum (WWF), slated to unfold in Bali from May 18 to May 25.
“The President, alongside Elon Musk, will inaugurate Starlink with the aim of enhancing communication capabilities in remote areas. The inauguration is scheduled for Sunday,” Minister Pandjaitan announced following a technical meeting of the National Police (Polri) in Badung district, Bali, on Tuesday.
Minister Pandjaitan further confirmed that Elon Musk will grace the occasion in Bali and deliver a keynote address during this year’s World Water Forum.
“Elon Musk will be invited to address the opening session of the 10th World Water Forum,” Minister Pandjaitan revealed.
Moreover, Minister Pandjaitan outlined that all arrangements and venues for the World Water Forum have been meticulously organized.
“(Preparations for) the events are proceeding smoothly. The President will attend, and all activities have been meticulously arranged. The groundbreaking ceremony for the International Mangrove Research Center of Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates will also take place in Bali’s Kura-Kura (special economic zone),” he added.
Highlighting the significance of Starlink’s arrival, Communication and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi emphasized that the satellite-powered Internet provider would significantly enhance Internet accessibility in regions previously underserved by local providers due to geographical constraints.
“Our objective is twofold: to elevate Internet speeds and ensure equitable distribution of Internet access, particularly in remote areas that have historically faced connectivity challenges,” Minister Setiadi elucidated.
Minister Setiadi underscored that Starlink has obtained the necessary license to operate as a telecommunications provider in Indonesia, reassuring that its presence would not impede the operations of local Internet providers.
With this monumental partnership between Indonesia and SpaceX’s Starlink, hopes are high for a transformative impact on Internet accessibility, empowering communities and fostering digital inclusion nationwide.
