Elon Musk introduces SpaceX's satellite internet service to improve healthcare in Indonesia

Elon Musk and Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin collaborated to introduce SpaceX's satellite internet service for the nation's health sector. The goal is to enhance access in remote areas of Indonesia, which is made up of many islands.

The billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, Elon Musk, flew to Bali on a private jet before joining the launch event at a community health center in Denpasar, the capital of Bali province.

Musk, dressed in a green batik shirt, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the Starlink service to Indonesia. He mentioned that this would benefit many people in remote areas of the country, where internet access is limited. Indonesia has a population of over 270 million people spread across three different time zones.

Musk highlighted the importance of connectivity by stating, "I’m very excited to bring connectivity to places that have low connectivity. If you have access to the internet you can learn anything."

Starlink was introduced at three health facilities in Indonesia over the weekend, with two located in Bali and one on the isolated island of Aru in Maluku.

During the launch event, a video demonstration highlighted the benefits of fast internet connection in facilitating real-time data input to address health issues like stunting and malnutrition.

Musk stated that his current focus is on Starlink and the advantages it offers to remote islands. He emphasized the importance of internet connectivity and how it can be a lifesaving tool. When asked about investing in Indonesia's electric vehicle industry, Musk mentioned that his priority at the moment is Starlink.

Indonesia has been making efforts to attract Tesla, Elon Musk's auto company, to set up manufacturing plants for electric vehicles. The government aims to boost the country's EV sector by utilizing its abundant nickel resources.

Elon Musk is set to meet Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday, during which he will also participate in the World Water Forum held on the island.

Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi, who was present at the Bali launch, mentioned that Starlink is now accessible for commercial use. However, the government's priority is to provide its services initially to remote and less developed areas.

Before the launch on Sunday, Starlink was granted permission to function as an internet service provider for individual consumers. Budi Setiadi informed Reuters that they had also been authorized to establish networks after obtaining a VSAT permit.

SpaceX's Starlink is a major player in the satellite internet industry, with ownership of about 60% of the approximately 7,500 satellites circling the Earth.

Indonesia becomes the third country in Southeast Asia where Starlink will be available. Last year, Malaysia granted the company a license to offer internet services, and in 2022, a Philippine-based firm entered into a deal with SpaceX.

Starlink is also used extensively in Ukraine, where it is employed by the military, hospitals, businesses and aid organizations.

Editor's P/S:

Elon Musk's visit and the introduction of SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service in Indonesia are significant developments that have the potential to transform the country's healthcare sector and provide much-needed connectivity to remote regions. Musk's commitment to improving internet access in underserved areas aligns with Indonesia's efforts to enhance telemedicine capabilities and address health disparities. The collaboration between Musk and the Indonesian Health Ministry underscores the growing recognition of the vital role that technology can play in improving healthcare outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

Furthermore, the availability of Starlink's services for commercial use opens up opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs to leverage high-speed internet connectivity. This can facilitate the development of innovative applications and services, boost economic growth, and create new job opportunities. The government's prioritization of providing Starlink access to rural and less developed regions ensures that the benefits of internet connectivity are equitably distributed, thereby promoting inclusive development and improving the quality of life for all Indonesians.