Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, is reportedly gearing up to visit Indonesia this Sunday to inaugurate its Starlink satellite unit, as disclosed by two cabinet ministers.
The anticipated event, set to take place on the picturesque holiday island of Bali, will witness Musk’s collaboration with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, marking his first physical presence in the country.
Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, a trusted confidant of President Widodo, revealed that Musk would spearhead the launch alongside the Indonesian leader, a move anticipated to bolster bilateral ties and technological advancements in the region.
Musk’s previous engagements with Indonesia were predominantly via virtual platforms, with this visit marking a significant milestone in fostering direct engagement and cooperation.
In addition to the Starlink launch, Musk is slated to address the prestigious World Water Forum in Bali, amplifying his commitment to addressing global challenges beyond the realms of technology. Minister Luhut underscored the importance of Musk’s visit, emphasising its potential to catalyse innovation and progress in Indonesia’s tech landscape.
The satellite unit’s launch ceremony is scheduled to be held at a clinic in Bali’s capital, Denpasar, where Musk is expected to ink an agreement on enhancing connectivity for the health sector. This initiative aligns with Starlink’s broader mission of democratising access to high-speed internet services, particularly in underserved and remote regions.
While the details of Musk’s itinerary have been meticulously planned, Starlink’s Indonesia representatives remained unreachable for immediate confirmation of the visit. Correspondingly, the company has yet to respond to inquiries sent during non-business hours in the United States.
Nevertheless, the groundwork for Starlink’s operations in Indonesia has been laid, with the company securing a permit to offer internet services commercially earlier this month. Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi emphasised that Starlink’s collaboration with local network access providers would facilitate internet access in Indonesia’s remote areas, thereby bridging the digital divide.
Chioma Kalu
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