Ambassador: Russia Discusses Space Cooperation Opportunities with BRIN

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Russia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Tolchenov, stated that his country is discussing possibilities for space exploration cooperation with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). “Perhaps after these discussions and negotiations, we will have some specific cooperation programmes in the field of developing a spaceport in Indonesia,” said Ambassador Tolchenov after the screening of the film “Russia’s History in Space” in Jakarta on Monday evening. According to him, the cooperation is not limited to building a spaceport alone, but also includes possibilities for collaboration in satellite launches or the use of satellites for space exploration. “So, different capabilities, but now we are discussing what we can do together,” said the Russian Ambassador. On 17 April, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) committed to accelerating the construction of a spaceport on Biak Island, Papua, through strengthened cooperation with the Russian space company, Roscosmos. BRIN Head Arif Satria is optimistic that the partnership with Roscosmos can hasten the realisation of Indonesia’s aspiration to have the first spaceport in Southeast Asia. “We believe that Russia, with its experience and advanced new technology, can help Indonesia achieve our dream of becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to have a spaceport,” he said. The Russian Embassy held a screening of the film “Russia’s History in Space” at the Planetarium in Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, to commemorate 65 years of the first manned flight into space. According to Russian Ambassador Sergei Tolchenov, the film screening also aims to educate the public and popularise the achievements of Soviet and Russian cosmonauts, scientists, and engineers throughout the 20th century.