SpaceX, which designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft, has applied to Indonesia's government for an internet service provider (ISP) permit for its Starlink satellite unit, according to a statement from the country’s communications ministry late this week.
Starlink is expected to conduct internet service trials this year in Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara, which is scheduled to be inaugurated later this year.
A ministry official, Wayan Toni Supriyanto, has been quoted in the local press as saying that while Starlink has established a local base of operations, additional regulatory conditions must be met before the company can apply for an ISP permit.
The company has in fact applied for two licenses: to use VSAT technology and to operate as an ISP. According to local news source Antara, Wayan has stated that the company has already built a VSAT hub and station equipment and has obtained the necessary VSAT permit. The ISP application, it seems, is still ongoing.
These applications are further indications of Starlink's intention to pursue opportunities in the Southeast Asia market. As we reported at the time, in July 2023 Malaysia approved Starlink to operate in the country and connect remote locations, beginning with schools and higher education establishments.
SpaceX launched the Starlink service in the Philippines in December 2022. Like Indonesia, the Philippines is an archipelago nation, where satcoms can often be the most effective way to reach remote areas.