Jakarta (ANTARA) - Communications and Informatics Minister Budi Arie Setiadi affirmed that the Starlink satellite internet system owned by SpaceX will operate legally in Indonesia by adhering to local regulations and paying frequency fees.

"They should follow Indonesia's regulations. They should also apply for a permit to Indonesia (government). They should also pay. Nothing is free," Setiadi stated here on Tuesday.

After opening the 10th Asia Pacific Spectrum Management Conference 2024, the minister remarked that the satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk has fulfilled almost all requisites to operate in Indonesia.

Starlink will soon conduct an operational feasibility test, which is required for a satellite-based internet provider before it can offer internet packages to Indonesians, he remarked.

Setiadi affirmed that the government will not block Starlink's entry into Indonesia on grounds that it complies with all laws and operational criteria.

The minister said the company offered technologies to help Indonesia expand its internet access to remote areas, such as the eastern Indonesian region.

He also commended Starlink's collaboration with the Indonesia Internet Service Provider Association (APJII).

"They will collaborate with our local companies since technologies offered by Starlink will be helpful to various regions in Indonesia, for instance, the eastern Indonesia region," Setiadi stated.

"Despite being a disruptive (technology), on the matter of its obligation and responsibility as a corporation, Starlink should adhere to all rules and regulations in Indonesia," he remarked.

Earlier, APJII confirmed to have forged cooperation with Indonesia's domestic Starlink operator company, PT Starlink Services Indonesia, to improve internet access across the country.

APJII Chairperson Muhammad Arif stated on Monday (April 22) that a memorandum of understanding was inked by the two parties to establish a mutually beneficial cooperation scheme on internet services operation.

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