BRIN Reveals Indonesia's Potential to Become a Leader in the Space Industry
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Arif Satria has revealed Indonesia’s potential to become a leader in the space industry and safeguard the country’s sovereignty in outer space.
According to him, this is a focus of the government and is outlined in the 2025–2045 National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN), considering that the space sector is one that will grow globally in the future.
‘Indonesia actually possesses a capital that not many countries have, namely its geographical position around the equator. This advantage provides higher launch efficiency, making Indonesia a strategic potential centre for satellite launch activities in the region,’ Satria said during the celebration of 50 years of Indonesian satellites in Jakarta on Wednesday.
In more detail, the RPJPN explains that there are three dimensions the government is focusing on in the development of the space industry: the space economy, space sustainability, and space defence.
From the space economy dimension, Indonesia believes that the growth of the space industry must open up new economic opportunities through satellite manufacturing, the launch of applications based on space data, and various downstream services.
From the space sustainability side, the government views that outer space must be preserved, considering the global trend of increasing satellite launches that often leave behind space debris.
Lastly, the space defence dimension is considered a crucial part because the state assesses that mastery of technology and strategic assets in space is necessary to strengthen national resilience and security.
These three dimensions can actually be addressed and accommodated by Indonesia thanks to the geographical position of the archipelago, which is close to the equator. This position gives Indonesia a more strategic location for orbiting space technology such as satellites, and even creates new economic opportunities if it can accommodate the needs of the space industry.
Therefore, BRIN is committed to leveraging this Indonesian advantage to provide new benefits for the nation’s progress. This is not only through research but also by striving to encourage the growth of other innovations, such as supporting the development of talent in the space sector that meets industry needs.
‘BRIN is not only building research capacity but also encouraging the growth of a national space industry ecosystem that can create investment, high-skilled jobs, enhance the competitiveness of national industry, and strengthen Indonesia’s position in the global space economy value chain,’ said Satria.