Elon Musk traveled to Bali on Sunday to launch SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service in Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago nation. Wearing a green Batik shirt, Musk was greeted with a garland of flower petals at a community health clinic in Denpasar, where he launched the service alongside Indonesian ministers.
Indonesia, a country of 17,000 islands and over 270 million people, has sought deals with Musk’s Tesla and SpaceX for battery investments and fast internet for remote regions. During the ceremony, Musk conducted a speed test of the Starlink internet service with health workers in Indonesia’s remote areas, including Aru in Maluku province, reports the Associated Press.
“This can make it really a lifesaver for remote medical clinics, and I think it could be a possibility for education as well,” Musk said.
“If you can access the internet and then you can learn anything and you can also sell your business services worldwide. So, I think it’s going to be incredibly beneficial,” he added.
Musk signed an agreement to enhance connectivity in Indonesia’s health and education sectors. Details about the agreement between the Indonesian government and SpaceX were not provided.
Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated, “Our remote regions need Starlink to expand high-speed internet services, especially to help with problems in the health, education and maritime sectors.”
Honored to launch @Starlink in Indonesia! pic.twitter.com/cAHRxm3jvn
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 19, 2024
Communication and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi noted that local internet providers are unable to reach outer islands due to limited coverage, but Starlink’s satellites will deliver faster internet with nationwide coverage.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin mentioned that of the more than 10,000 clinics across the country, around 2,700 still lack internet access.
“The internet can open up better access to health services as communication between regions is said to be easier, so that reporting from health service facilities can be done in real time or up to date,” he said.
Here’s a video of Musk at the signing ceremony below:
Elon Musk officially launched Starlink in Indonesia today. pic.twitter.com/liLLBUB2x9
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) May 19, 2024
During his first visit to Bali, Musk is also scheduled to participate in the 10th World Water Forum, addressing global water and sanitation challenges. Musk previously spoke at the B-20 business forum in Bali in 2022 via video link.