Amazon Kuiper Launches Satellite Internet Service in Indonesia

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:20 | Network Infrastructure | Editorial INTI

Jakarta, INTI – After Starlink introduced satellite-based internet services in Indonesia, Amazon Kuiper is now entering the satellite internet service market. Amazon Kuiper, which offers Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, has officially launched in Indonesia, adding to the number of satellite operators in the country. Amazon Kuiper’s presence is certainly drawing attention, especially for Telkom, as a longstanding player in Indonesia’s telecommunications industry.

Telkom’s Positive Response to Amazon Kuiper

Andri Herawan Sasoko, VP of Corporate Communication at Telkom, welcomed Amazon Kuiper’s arrival in Indonesia, drawing a comparison with Starlink's entry a few years ago. According to Andri, the presence of new players in the market, like Starlink and Amazon Kuiper, has a positive impact, accelerating the digitalization process in Indonesia. "Just like Starlink before, their arrival is not an issue; in fact, it helps accelerate Indonesia’s digitalization," Andri stated in Jakarta on Wednesday, March 20, 2025.

Andri added that competition in the business market is inevitable. He emphasized that Telkom must be ready to face competition from other LEO satellite players. "All businesses have competition. For example, in the automotive industry, when a new player enters, we must be prepared, ready for any possibility," Andri stressed, emphasizing that Telkom must continuously strive to remain competitive, so the public still has access to optimal digital service options.

Kuiper's Arrival: Focus on National Coverage and the 3T Market

Andri also highlighted that with government approval, LEO satellites are not limited to specific areas but are focused on national coverage, including remote regions. He mentioned that Amazon Kuiper may see the potential market in the 3T (terdepan, terluar, tertinggal — frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged) areas, which have not yet been optimally reached by internet services. This could be Amazon Kuiper’s strategy to expand its reach in Indonesia.

Ministry of Communication and Digital Supports Strategic Partnership with Amazon Kuiper

Meanwhile, Indonesia's Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) is exploring a strategic partnership with Amazon Kuiper to expand internet access in the 3T regions. Minister of Communication and Digital Meutya Hafid stated that satellite technology plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide in remote areas. "We welcome Amazon Kuiper’s commitment to supporting the expansion of digital connectivity in Indonesia," Meutya said, adding that the government is open to investments and new technologies that can accelerate the equitable distribution of digital connectivity across the country.

Support for MSMEs and the Digital Sector

Gonzalo de Dios, Global Head of Licensing and International Regulatory Affairs at Amazon Project Kuiper, mentioned that Amazon Kuiper aims to collaborate with the government and local partners to provide broader internet access in Indonesia. He noted that connectivity in remote areas remains a challenge, and therefore, Amazon Kuiper is committed to speeding up internet service provision in these areas.

Minister Meutya added that Amazon Kuiper’s presence in Indonesia is also expected to support the development of the national digital ecosystem. In addition to expanding internet access in the 3T regions, the service is expected to empower MSMEs and boost sectors like e-government, e-health, and e-education. "We want to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their location, has equal access to digital technology," emphasized Meutya Hafid.

Licensing Process and Government-Private Sector Synergy

Amazon Kuiper is currently applying for operational permits in Indonesia, including telecommunications licenses and satellite borrowing rights, in accordance with regulations that allow foreign companies to operate with a Business Identification Number (NIB). With the support of the government, it is expected that this project will soon come to fruition and benefit the people of Indonesia, especially those in the 3T areas.

The synergy between the government and the private sector is expected to accelerate Indonesia's digital transformation, create opportunities in the digital economy, and improve quality of life by providing better access to education, healthcare, and public services.

Conclusion

Amazon Kuiper’s presence in Indonesia marks a new chapter in efforts to expand internet access throughout the country, particularly in the 3T regions that have been underserved by digital services. With this new player entering the market, Telkom and other satellite service providers are expected to be more motivated to improve their service quality. The collaboration between the private sector and the Indonesian government will be key in ensuring equitable access to technology and fostering more inclusive digitalization. In the long term, this project is expected to not only address the digital divide but also open new opportunities in the digital economy, education, and healthcare sectors.