SpaceX’s Starlink begins service in Indonesia, starting with health centers

Photo credit: Indonesia’s Communication and Information Ministry

SpaceX has launched Starlink, its satellite internet service, for Indonesia’s medical sector, Reuters reported.

Both SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin attended the launch ceremony in Bali’s Denpasar. Before the launch, Starlink had secured authorization to provide internet services in the country, Communication and Information Minister Budi Arie Setiadi previously confirmed to Reuters.

The service seeks to extend internet accessibility in remote areas of Indonesia. Since better internet access would enable real-time data input, Starlink is expected to support the government’s efforts to alleviate health issues like stunting and malnutrition.

Sadikin said that there are currently 10,000 health clinics scattered around Indonesia, but around 2,700 remain underserved by local internet providers. Starlink has been introduced at two health centers in Bali and one on Aru Island, one of the country’s outermost islands.

At the launch event, Musk said that the service can also potentially be used to enhance the country’s education and business sectors.

Starlink currently controls about 60% of the roughly 7,500 satellites orbiting the Earth. Aside from Indonesia, it operates in two other Southeast Asian countries: Malaysia and the Philippines.

In Ukraine, the military, hospitals, businesses, and aid organizations extensively use the service. Earlier today, Starlink also announced that it’s now available in Fiji, marking its 99th supported country.

See also: Malaysia, Indonesia overhyped Elon Musk’s Tesla, Starlink