To gain full control over the physical cyber-infrastructure, the Government should force Starlink to build a ground station and gateway located within Indonesia, so that all communications will pass through the gateway. Thus, if a need arises, the Government can request access to carry out inspections. This includes wiretapping in the interests of national security or law enforcement. In this case, the Government can review existing laws and regulations, such as the obligation for foreign private electronic services providers (PSEs) to build their data centers in Indonesia. When a foreign party operates a satellite in a country’s territory, the Government may include terms in the partnership agreement governing use of and access to that satellite infrastructure. These requirements may include government control over parts of the infrastructure or exclusive access to certain services, including the ground stations, and requirement to have a license for the operation of ground station and the granting of government oversight over activities at the station.
The Government also needs to develop a comprehensive satellite security policy that covers technical, operational and regulatory aspects. This policy should include efforts to protect satellite infrastructure and sensitive data, as well as identify risks associated with satellite services. The Government also needs to regulate satellite services with strict rules, to ensure compliance with security guidelines. These regulations should include requirements to protect customer data and ensure the availability of emergency services. Poorly-regulated use of satellite services can pose national security risks. The Government can conduct security and data privacy audits on foreign satellite infrastructure in its territory. This helps ensure that data transmitted via these satellites is not used for unlawful purposes. The Government can increase its surveillance capabilities over activities of foreign satellite operators, including oversight of satellite launches and operations in the country’s airspace. If possible, governments could develop anti-satellite capabilities that could be used to destroy or disable foreign satellites in emergency or conflict situations.
Strict regulations enable countries to identify and mitigate threats to satellite infrastructure that could harm national interests. They may include stringent cyber security requirements to protect satellite infrastructure from potential cyberattacks. A successful cyberattack against satellite infrastructure could disrupt services and harm national interests. Strict regulations may also include requirements to coordinate with private satellite service providers. This allows the country to ensure that service providers comply with required security standards. Strict regulations can help the country meet international air law governing satellite activities. This will strengthen the country’s position in international community and ensures that the country does not transgress international norms.
If satellite communications are necessary to reach 3T regions, the Government can consider developing its own national satellite infrastructure or collaborating with other countries to build a reliable and secure national satellite network. This does require a very large investment, but the benefits are tangible. National satellite infrastructure gives the country full control over satellite communications networks used for national interests, including military communications, national security and intelligence. This ensures that the country has reliable and secure access to its strategic communications system. Developing and operating a national satellite infrastructure can also provide economic benefits, including business opportunities in the aerospace industry, commercial satellite communications services and export of satellite technology. National satellite infrastructure can be used to monitor the borders and bolster national security, helping to detect illegal crossings and suspicious activities in border areas.
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The Government also needs to have contingency plans that include what steps to take in crisis situations, such as cyberattacks or serious satellite service disruptions, including system redundancy (backup) and mechanisms to take over control of satellite infrastructure if necessary. This will allow the Government to take quick and effective measures, because time is of the essence during a crisis situation as it can save lives, protect critical infrastructure and minimize the impact of a disaster. The Government should analyze the extent to which it depends on Starlink services in various aspects of life and state administration, including emergency communications, national defense and other critical needs.