Musk and the Indonesian Minister of Health Present Starlink for the Healthcare Industry
May 19, DENPASAR (Reuters) – The Starlink satellite internet service from SpaceX was introduced by Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to improve healthcare access in the country’s outlying areas.
Event High Points
Musk flew privately into Bali, Indonesia, and attended the launch event at a community health center in Denpasar, the provincial capital. Starlink will have a big effect on the nation, which has over 270 million people and three time zones, Musk said while donning a green batik shirt.
“I’m really excited to provide low-connectivity areas with connectivity,” Musk stated. “You can learn anything if you have internet connection.”
Stellar Launch
Starlink was introduced on Sunday at three Indonesian health facilities: two in Bali and one on the isolated island of Aru in Maluku. A film presentation at the occasion showed how real-time data input may be improved by high-speed internet to address health problems like stunting and malnutrition.
Emphasizes Connectivity
Musk said his main concern was Starlink and the advantages it offers to isolated locations when questioned about investing in Indonesia’s electric vehicle market. Noting the potentially life-saving power of dependable internet access, he underlined, “We are focusing this event on Starlink and the benefits that connectivity brings to remote islands.”
Public Works
Indonesia has been attempting to use its abundant nickel reserves to draw Tesla, Musk’s auto company, to invest in the nation’s electric vehicle industry. Musk’s major attention is still on Starlink, though. He will speak at the World Water Forum on the island and meet Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday.
Available Commercially
Attending the ceremony as well, Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi declared that Starlink is now commercially available. Serving the outlying and impoverished areas first is the government’s top priorities. Starlink was awarded both a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) authorization and permission to operate as an internet service provider for retail customers prior to the launch.
The Worldwide Reach of Starlink
Owning around 60% of the roughly 7,500 satellites orbiting Earth, SpaceX’s Starlink rules the satellite internet market. Following Malaysia’s license issuance last year and the Philippines’ 2022 agreement with SpaceX, Indonesia is the third Southeast Asian nation where Starlink will operate. Starlink is likewise widely utilized in Ukraine by the military, hospitals, companies, and humanitarian organizations.
Plans for the Future
A major step in enhancing internet connectivity in rural regions and maybe revolutionizing healthcare delivery and information access for millions of people is the introduction of Starlink in Indonesia. The possibility of additional cooperation and investment in the area is still bright as Musk and Indonesian authorities carry on their talks.