PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Elon Musk's satellite-based internet service has arrived in Indonesia, specifically in Bali, on May 19 2024.

There has been various speculation regarding Starlink's presence in Indonesia, especially for Indonesian Internet Service Providers.

Will it damage the existing local Internet Service Provider (ISP) business segment?

Regional Secretary of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) West Java Region Andika Bayu Herbowo said that Starlink is only a complement for telecommunications industry activists, especially ISPs, and equitable distribution of the internet for 3T areas (underdeveloped, frontier and outermost) if it is regulated and managed well.

"Starlink can help provide high-speed internet access services. Starlink connectivity is able to send data faster than 4G fixed wireless networks, conventional satellites and basic fiber packages," said Andika at the Ngulik (Information and Communication Technology Discussion) event with the Communications and Bandung City Informatics, Thursday (13/6/2024).

Andika said that local ISPs can also use Starlink for BOD (Bandwidth on Demand) for organizing large events.

Operating in low Earth orbit or known as Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Elon Musk's satellite is said to be a broadband solution in rural areas or areas where there is no internet access due to the absence of fiber optics or base transceiver stations (BTS) in the area.

"This is a very good alternative to overcome the difficulty of building connectivity in remote areas which are sometimes difficult for ISPs to serve, especially in areas where there is no fiber optic and blankspots," said Andika.

From a business perspective, Starlink also has a different market segment from the segment targeted by local ISPs. It is clear from the fact that Starlink internet service rates start at around IDR 750,000/month. Meanwhile, local ISP internet rates are much cheaper. Starlink is also more suitable for consumers who are early adopters of technology or dare to try it.

"Usually Starlink users are people who are technology savvy, early adopters, and like to explore technology. Apart from that, Starlink installation is actually done independently, and there is no customer care service via telephone if we have complaints regarding the device. Meanwhile in one "On the other hand, not all consumers in Indonesia are willing to take risks related to this," explained Andika.

Another important issue related to Starlink's presence in Indonesia is data security or data sovereignty. Until now, Starlink does not have a Network Operation Center (NOC) in Indonesia, so there are concerns that data security is not guaranteed and there is no filter for negative content.

Therefore, Andika hopes that Starlink will implement ISP regulations in Indonesia. This is of course for the sake of equal distribution of the internet throughout Indonesia.

"We cannot control technology, but we can regulate and manage it well. It could be that Starlink is only provided for 3T or blankspot areas. Meanwhile, in big cities where fiber optic is available, people can use local ISPs," he said.

"The presence of Starlink also provides momentum for APJII to become a bridge between Global Innovation and local interests. Especially so that people can enjoy equal and high-speed internet access, especially in 3T areas," said Andika. (Diskominfo Bandung City/Revo)