Heaptalk, Jakarta — Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PT Starlink Indonesia (Starlink) to expedite internet access by spreading its satellite internet in rural areas, especially in underdeveloped, frontmost, and outermost (3T) regions of Indonesia.
“In terms of technology, this collaboration will bring various innovations that can change Indonesia’s internet industry. Starlink has been proven to provide quality internet access in remote areas via low earth orbit satellites, which can provide fast and steady connectivity in hard-to-reach areas,” APJII’s Chairman, Muhammad Arif, conveyed.
According to its latest research, the country’s internet penetration is projected to grow significantly in 2024 as the data demonstrated that the archipelago’s penetration rate of internet users reached 79.5% or approximately 221.5 million of Indonesia’s population at 278.6 million in 2023. Last year’s outcome evolved up to 1.31%, compared to the 2022.
Based on the urban or rural classification, the contribution of internet users in urban areas reached 69.5%, with a penetration rate of 82.2%. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s rural Indonesia’s rural areas also contributed less at 30.5%, with a penetration rate of 74%. This data shows that efforts by various stakeholders to expand internet access in rural areas are still challenging.
Starlink utilizes Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology to maximize internet service in Indonesia’s areas. By integrating Starlink services with existing infrastructure, APJII said that local Internet Service Provider (ISP) businesses can expand their reach and quality. Meanwhile, Starlink can utilize the network that has been built to reach more users throughout Indonesia.
“From the Indonesia Internet Exchange (IIX) perspective, this collaboration provides a positive impetus for increasing connectivity and data traffic in the country. With Starlink connected to IIX, we look forward to accelerating local internet access and increasing the overall quality of service for internet users in the archipelago,” Arif added.
In Indonesia, Elon Musk’s Starlink also plans to expedite internet service in the Nusantara Capital (IKN). As the Minister of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) Budi Arie Setiadi stated, Starlink has fulfilled the operating permit and will conduct trials in May 2024.
