Heaptalk, Jakarta — Minister of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) Budi Arie Setiadi on Tuesday (04/16) said that currently, the internet service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink, has fulfilled the operating permit and will carry out trials in the Nusantara Capital (IKN) in May 2024.
“The Starlink trial will be carried out later in May. At IKN, it will carry out a trial and work on the timetable (Starlink service trial schedule in 2024),” explained Budi. Before being widely used by the public, primarily during the commemoration of Independence Day at Nusantara Capital, Starlink must first undergo and pass an operational feasibility test (ULO).
In more detail, the operational eligibility test is a technical and operational system testing process that ensures compliance with minimum standards in telecommunications operations. The test aims to verify whether the facilities and infrastructure being built are ready. “If the trial goes well, we can issue the operational feasibility test, meeting all applicable laws and regulations in Indonesia. Hence, we will allow Starlink to operate,” he emphasized.
On this occasion, Minister Budi Arie also explained that the Government is opening up opportunities for telecommunications companies, both national and global, to invest in and develop the digital ecosystem in Indonesia. He said, “We will see how things develop. The important thing is we have to create a fair business, level playing field, and everyone has to follow existing regulations.”
Meanwhile, Director of Post and Informatics Operations at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics Wayan Toni Supriyanto explained that in the operational licensing process, Starlink had built a hub and met equipment standards from the Directorate General of Post and Informatics Equipment Resources.
“There is a possibility that they have complied with VSAT. For the internet (ISP), they have to collaborate with NAP; perhaps the cooperation agreement has not been finalized yet,” he said. Wayan Toni stated that vulnerability during testing is Starlink’s policy. Meanwhile, the trial is scheduled to take place between May 2024.
