INDONESIA, May 19: Elon Musk, alongside Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, launched SpaceX's satellite internet service for Indonesia's health sector on Sunday. The initiative aims to enhance access to healthcare in remote areas of the archipelago. Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, arrived in Bali by private jet on Sunday morning, followed by a launch ceremony at a community health center in Denpasar, the provincial capital.

Upon Musk's arrival, Chief Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan welcomed him at Bali's airport, expressing anticipation for discussions on significant collaborations, including the inauguration of Starlink, as shared on his Instagram page.

Indonesia, with over 270 million people residing in various time zones, seeks to ensure equitable internet access across the nation. Musk and Indonesian President Joko Widodo will officially launch Starlink, providing remote areas with high-speed internet, subsequently improving healthcare services.

The satellite division of SpaceX has already obtained permission to operate in Indonesia, according to Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi. Starlink holds permits to operate as an internet service provider for retail consumers and has received approval to establish networks through very small aperture terminal (VSAT) technology.

Indonesia becomes the third Southeast Asian country where Starlink operates, following licenses issued in Malaysia last year and agreements in the Philippines in 2022. Starlink's services have also been extensively utilized in Ukraine, supporting military, healthcare, business, and humanitarian operations.

In February, Ukraine urged SpaceX to prevent Russia from using Starlink terminals in areas under Moscow's occupation, highlighting the technology's strategic significance beyond its initial scope.