There is no clear attitude in responding to Starlink's presence

We need a more unified attitude and smart ways of dealing with global technology companies.

TANGKAPAN LAYAR/STARLINK

The Starlink satellite signal receiver antenna. The installation of this antenna is designed to be easy and can be done by anyone to reduce installation costs. There is also an application that can be downloaded to determine the best location to place the antenna to receive signals effectively.

A number of groups have begun to comment regarding the presence of the Starlink internet service. Their presence needs to be monitored.

Even though it has launched its services in Bali and Maluku, the government is asking Starlink, one of SpaceX's business lines, to open an office in Indonesia. The presence of this office is crucial for the country's revenue, the protection of citizens' personal data, and customer service.

Minister of Communication and Information Budi Arie Setiadi asked SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to open a Starlink network operations center (NOC) in Indonesia. "If the NOC is not here, Starlink can be used for online gambling and pornography. I don't want them to be over the top and have no responsibility to us. "This is dangerous because there is a risk that our data will be taken," he said on the sidelines of a press conference in the series of the 10th World Water Forum held at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Nusa Dua, Bali (Kompas, 20/5/ 2024).

DOKUMENTASI TONY BLAIR INSTITUTE

The Tony Blair Institute is collaborating with the Indonesian government to provide Starlink Flat High Performance devices in the capital city of Nusantara (IKN). On Friday (17/5/2024), the equipment arrived and is being installed at various facilities in IKN.

Also read: How is Starlink's business in the Indonesian retail market?

The government's statement indicates a lack of coordination between the government and domestic internet service providers. Desires like the above should have been conveyed long before Elon Musk's company entered the country. We question to what extent the preparations are being made to receive Starlink if the government has not yet determined the benefits and losses of their entry.

With this picture, we regret that there is no common attitude towards the presence of foreign technology companies. We also shouldn't immediately refuse just because we are worried that domestic companies will be affected. Several times when foreigners are present, an attitude of rejection often appears. This attitude of refusal sometimes makes domestic business people become stunted and often gives rise to an attitude of being arrogant.

CRAIG BAILEY/FLORIDA TODAY VIA AP

The Falcon 9 rocket belonging to SpaceX took off from Cape Canaveral, California on Sunday (25/2/2024). The rocket carried 24 Starlink satellites that will be released into orbit.

Such a condition has given birth to weak businessmen who easily rely on the government's role. If only their business management were efficient and innovative, they should not be afraid of the presence of Starlink.

We need a shared attitude and clever ways of dealing with global technology companies. Without a shared attitude, we will only blame each other and get into even more complex problems which will not benefit us from their presence. Many countries have adopted this approach, considering the pros and cons and steps to facing tough foreign companies.

This attitude is part of economic diplomacy. So, the issue is not a matter of accepting or rejecting, but rather how we can get maximum benefits when an attitude is proposed to a global company. Interests such as technology transfer (although sometimes only jargon), investment, training, protection of domestic actors must be unified when diplomacy with them. It's time for the government to coordinate when it has to deal with companies that will disrupt.