KONTAN.CO.ID - JAKARTA. Telecommunication operators in Indonesia are bracing themselves.  Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, is officially entering the Indonesian market. According to the world map on its official website, Starlink is set to commence operations in 2024. The company plans to partner with local firms to provide very small aperture terminal (VSAT) and internet services to the public.

Despite its collaboration with local companies, Kontan.co.id observed on Thursday (4/4) that Starlink has begun marketing its products directly. The company has started offering subscription prices, deposits, hardware costs, and installation and delivery fees.  

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When Kontan entered an address, a subscription price of IDR 750,000 per month was immediately displayed.  The package includes unlimited quota with features described as high-speed, low-latency internet. However, there is no information yet on Starlink Indonesia's download/upload speed.

In addition to the monthly subscription fee, users also need Starlink Indonesia's hardware, priced at IDR 7.8 million. Customers also need to provide a deposit of IDR 750,000 and cover delivery and installation costs. 

On the Starlink Indonesia website, customers can choose whether they need internet services for personal or business use. Starlink Indonesia also offers a 30-day trial. If customers are not satisfied, they can receive a full refund.

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When placing an order, customers must complete it within 15 minutes. Otherwise, the order page will return to the Starlink website's homepage. Starlink is a satellite-based internet service, eliminating the need for a base transceiver station (BTS) and eliminating blank spots.  Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology's website on Thursday (4/4), Space X has applied for a license as a VSAT service provider and internet service provider (ISP).  Minister Budi Arie Setiadi emphasized that Starlink must comply with applicable laws to meet the requirements for operating in Indonesia.

In the near future, Starlink will conduct a trial in the country's capital (IKN).  “In IKN, Starlink will conduct a trial and is working on a time table  (trial schedule) for Starlink services in 2024,” he said.  So, if Starlink is only about to trial in IKN, why has it already started offering its products directly through its official website?   

Editor: Syamsul Azhar