The Indonesian Post
Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by SpaceX, has officially appointed PT Primacom Interbuana (Primacom) as an authorized reseller to boost Starlink's presence in Indonesia. This partnership aims to tackle the uneven access to the internet, especially in remote areas that are hard to reach with fiber optic infrastructure. Access to the internet remains a major hurdle in Indonesia's digital transformation, largely due to its vast archipelago. Relying solely on fiber optic cables won't cover every corner of the country. To achieve better connectivity, satellite communication technology is essential. Starlink's satellite internet service is a perfect solution for improving internet access. With its compact antenna and fast internet speeds, Starlink is changing the game for satellite communication, moving away from the traditional large parabolic antennas. Moreover, the Starlink antenna is portable and can be easily set up in various locations, including challenging environments like mining sites, plantations, and open waters. The collaboration agreement between Primacom and Starlink Indonesia has been signed, making Primacom a strategic partner for Starlink, thanks to its proven track record of over 30 years in providing VSAT satellite communication services across various industries. During the signing event, Primacom's CEO Kiki Harjadi highlighted that Starlink utilizes the latest low earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, which will complement the existing satellite communication services offered by Primacom. "Starlink's cutting-edge satellite communication technology is a true innovation in the telecommunications industry." The partnership between Primacom and Starlink is a smart move aimed at providing quality internet access to people all over Indonesia, including businesses that need to operate more efficiently no matter where they are, Kiki mentioned. Starlink's internet service utilizes a constellation of LEO satellites that are much closer to Earth, allowing for high-quality connections with low latency and more affordable costs. Latency refers to the delay in data exchange between points, and with Starlink's LEO service, it’s only about 50 milliseconds. In contrast, GEO satellite antennas can have latencies of around 600 milliseconds. Kiki believes that with its nationwide coverage, Starlink can help promote equal connectivity and speed up digital transformation in the country. “People living in rural and remote areas deserve reliable internet access to support their business activities, enabling them to connect with new opportunities without being limited by geography,” Kiki added. Domy K. Santoso, the Marketing Director at Primacom, also expressed excitement about collaborating with Starlink, leveraging over 30 years of experience in the VSAT satellite communication technology field to enhance domestic connectivity. “For over 31 years, Primacom has been providing satellite communication services to hundreds of companies across various industries. Our certified engineers have extensive experience in satellite communication, ensuring we deliver top-notch support for a better customer experience,” Domy noted. He further explained that as a satellite communication provider, Primacom can tailor Starlink's services to meet user needs, including dedicated internet options.