Elon Musk, Indonesian Health Minister Launch Starlink for Healthcare
(Photo from Starlink website)
Elon Musk and Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin recently launched SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, aiming to enhance healthcare access in Indonesia’s remote regions.
According to reports, Musk, who heads SpaceX and Tesla, arrived in Bali for the event at a community health center in Denpasar. Wearing a traditional green batik shirt, Musk emphasized Starlink’s potential to bring internet connectivity in the country.
The service was launched at three health centers: two in Bali and one on the remote island of Aru in Maluku. A presentation showcased how high-speed internet could improve data management to address health issues like stunting and malnutrition.
Asked about investing in Indonesia’s electric vehicle industry, Musk, who is set to meet with President Joko Widodo at the World Water Forum, said his current focus is on Starlink, highlighting the critical role of internet connectivity in remote areas. Indonesia has been trying to attract Tesla to develop its EV sector, leveraging its nickel resources.
Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi noted that Starlink is now available commercially, initially targeting outer and underdeveloped regions. Starlink received permits to operate as an internet service provider, including a VSAT permit.
SpaceX’s Starlink, which operates 60% of the 7,500 satellites orbiting Earth, dominates the satellite internet market. Indonesia is the third Southeast Asian country to adopt Starlink, following Malaysia and the Philippines. The service is also widely used in Ukraine by the military, hospitals, businesses, and aid organizations.
Source: Nikkei Asia
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