Elon Musk to visit Bali in big change for island

The tech billionaire will visit the island Aussies have grown to love, this weekend, in a move that is set to have a lasting impact.

Bali is one of the leading destinations for digital nomads, with more and more Aussies relocating to the hotspot in pursue of that “work life balance”

The popular destination has become a home away from home for remote workers, entrepreneurs and freelancers who only need a laptop and Wi-Fi connection to get the job done.

However, while the island has pretty impressive Wi-Fi speeds and solid 4G and 3G coverage, there’s still some parts that are faced with unstable internet connection and mobile data coverage, such as Nusa Penida, which neighbours Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan.

And that is where Elon Musk has stepped in.

Elon Musk is set to visit Bali this Sunday to launch Starlink, his broadband satellite internet service.

The tech billionaire will be visiting Bali this weekend to launch Starlink — his broadband satellite internet service, according to The Bali Sun.

It comes as Indonesia continues to level up its connectivity infrastructure nationwide.

The launch will coincide with the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) taking place in Bali from the May 18 to May 25.

Bali is a digital nomads paradise but some parts face unstable internet connection.

Musk has been invited to speak at the opening of the forum in Nusa Dua where President Joko Widodo will also be present.

“The President, together with Elon Musk, will launch Starlink in the hopes of facilitating communication in remote areas. The launch will take place on Sunday,” Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said.

A trial will kick off in Nusantara before launching in other parts. It comes as Indonesia relocates its capital from Jakarta to Nusantara in East Kalimantan. The move is part of Indonesian President Joko Widodo's plan to distribute economic activity throughout the country and to reduce the population and traffic congestion in the capital. Picture: Garry Lotulung/NurPhoto

A trial will kick off Nusantara, the future capital of Indonesia, for the first month, before a full-scale launch shortly after.

Nusantara, officially the capital city of Nusantara, is scheduled to be inaugurated on August 17, 2024, coinciding with Indonesian Independence Day.

It will replace Jakarta as the national capital.

Starlink is expected to have the most impact in remote regions where digital infrastructure is lagging behind.

Bali a home away from home for remote workers, entrepreneurs and freelancers who rely heavily on the island’s connectivity services.

Starlink benefit

Starlink is expected to have the most impact in remote regions where digital infrastructure is lagging behind.

According to communications and informatics minister, Budi Arie, the service has been put through its paces and will be required to operate in alignment with Indonesian law and local regulations — and pay the correct frequency fees.

The system operates from low earth orbit satellite constellations. Over the past five years, SpaceX has launched more than 6,000 satellites in orbit, with over 2 million Starlink subscribers worldwide.

According to the Bali Sun, the Starlink monthly packages for residential use start at IDR 750,000 — that’s $70 — and global packages start at IDR 6,995,480 — $655. The standard Starlink unit will cost IDR 7,800,000 — about $730 — in Indonesia.