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How Likely is Starlink to Capture Natural Resources and Defense Conditions in Indonesia from Their Satellite Network? Here's the Explanation

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 08:00 | Internet |   Editorial INTI


How Likely is Starlink to Capture Natural Resources and Defense Conditions in Indonesia from Their Satellite Network? Here's the Explanation

Jakarta, INTI - Starlink, the ambitious project by SpaceX aimed at providing high-speed internet from a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, is garnering global attention. However, as the number of Starlink satellites increases, concerns are arising about the potential for data collection that could include natural resources and defense conditions in various countries, including Indonesia. This article will explore how likely it is for Starlink to capture such data and its implications for Indonesia's security and sovereignty.

What is Starlink?

Starlink is a project by SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, with the goal of delivering high-speed internet services worldwide through a network of low Earth orbit satellites. As of early 2024, SpaceX has launched over 4,000 Starlink satellites, with plans to increase this number to up to 12,000 in the future.

Potential for Data Collection by Starlink

The ability of Starlink satellites to capture data depends on the technology and sensors equipped on these satellites. Generally, communication satellites like Starlink are designed to provide internet services rather than remote sensing or intelligence gathering. However, several aspects need to be considered:

  1. Sensing Capabilities: Satellites designed for communication typically do not have advanced sensors for Earth observation, such as high-resolution cameras or radar. However, the possibility of such technology being added in the future cannot be entirely ruled out.
  2. Internet Traffic Data: As an internet service provider, Starlink can collect internet traffic data from users. Although this data is usually used for commercial purposes and service improvement, there are concerns about the privacy and security of accessed data.
  3. Open Surveillance: According to a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists, modern communication satellites have the potential for open surveillance. While this is not equivalent to military reconnaissance satellites, there is still potential to observe activities on the Earth's surface to some extent.

Impact on Natural Resources and Defense Conditions

  1. Natural Resources: Indonesia is rich in natural resources, including tropical forests, mineral mines, and vast seas. The data collection capabilities of satellites can be used to map and monitor land use, deforestation, and resource exploitation. While this can be beneficial for environmental monitoring, it also poses risks if the data is misused.
  2. Defense Conditions: A more sensitive aspect is security and defense. If satellites can gather information on military installations, critical infrastructure, or defense activities, this could pose a serious threat to national sovereignty. A report by RAND Corporation highlights that this risk is a major concern in modern geopolitics, especially with the increasing reliance on space technology.

Regulations and Security

Indonesia, like many other countries, must consider stringent regulations to manage and oversee the activities of foreign satellites operating in its territory. Several steps can be taken:

  1. Licensing Regulations: The Indonesian government should ensure that every satellite service provider, including Starlink, complies with national regulations concerning licensing, spectrum usage, and data protection.
  2. International Cooperation: Indonesia needs to collaborate with international bodies such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to ensure that the operations of foreign satellites do not violate national sovereignty and security.
  3. Strengthening Cybersecurity: With the increasing use of satellite-based internet services, it is crucial for Indonesia to enhance cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data from potential eavesdropping or misuse.

Starlink offers significant opportunities to enhance internet connectivity in Indonesia, especially in remote areas that are difficult to reach with terrestrial infrastructure. However, the potential for data collection by Starlink satellites must be closely monitored to protect the country's natural resources and defense conditions.

With appropriate regulations and international cooperation, Indonesia can harness this technology without compromising national security and sovereignty. Going forward, the primary challenge is to ensure that technological advancements are used for the common good and do not create new threats.

To support this development, the Indonesia Internet Expo and Summit 2024 within the Indonesia Technology and Innovation (INTI-2024) will serve as the ideal platform to witness the latest innovations in technology and the internet. INTI is the largest exhibition and conference related to technology and innovation in Indonesia. Join and register to get the latest information and participate in the event.

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