BRIN Head Invites Russia to Build Spaceport in Biak, Papua
JAKARTA – The Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Prof Arif Satria, recently conducted a working visit to Moscow, Russia. Accompanied by a BRIN delegation, Arif visited and held an audience with officials from the International Space Station Control Centre.
Arif also met with executives from Rosatom to accelerate the construction of a nuclear power plant (PLTN) in Indonesia. In an interview with Russia Today in Moscow, Arif stated that Indonesia wishes to collaborate with Russia in developing the space sector, particularly the plan to build a rocket launch facility (spaceport) in Biak, Papua Province.
According to him, this decision is an effort by Indonesia towards technological independence. “The main objective of our visit is to promote Indonesia’s space activities and strengthen cooperation with Russia, especially in space sector development,” Arif said.
He stated that with the development of the spaceport in Biak, Indonesia plans to conduct independent satellite launches in the future. This is because the government now wants to develop the national space sector.
“In the past, we focused on land and maritime resources. Now, space has become a new frontier for economic growth,” Arif remarked.
“We are preparing to build a spaceport in Indonesia, particularly on Biak Island in Papua. This is very important to demonstrate our commitment to developing the space ecosystem, including the space economy,” Arif added.
The former rector of IPB University emphasised that Indonesia is striving to be the first country in Southeast Asia to have its own spaceport facility. Of course, this can be realised with technological support and experience from Russia. “Indonesia is working to develop independence in the space sector,” Arif said.
In addition, according to Arif, Indonesia is also preparing to launch a new generation of satellites. These satellites will assist the government in supporting environmental monitoring, food security, and disaster mitigation. “By the end of 2026, we plan to launch new microsatellites with better resolution and capabilities,” Arif explained.