BRIN Reveals True Conditions in Earth's Orbit, Urges Indonesia to Act

The head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Arif Satria, has highlighted a new challenge facing the space sector regarding satellite operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). He stated that the number of satellites operating there is already too congested. “The densification of orbit increases the risk of space debris accumulation, as well as competition for the utilisation of orbital slots and frequency spectrum,” Arif said during the 50th Anniversary of Indonesian Satellites event in Jakarta on Wednesday. LEO is known to be occupied by a number of satellite-based internet service providers. The orbital space is dominated by Elon Musk’s Starlink, along with several other players trying their luck there. Arif further stated that international infrastructure governance still applies a first-come, first-served principle, meaning the use of orbital slots can be owned by the industry that first utilises them. He therefore urged Indonesia to immediately formulate a national roadmap for managing orbital slots and spectrum, including strategies for developing a national satellite constellation, protecting Indonesian satellite assets, strengthening international diplomacy, and policies that guarantee the operation of national satellites. “This step is crucial so that Indonesia’s national interests remain protected amidst increasingly dynamic global competition,” Arif said. On the same occasion, BRIN also revealed it will launch the Earth observation satellite, Nusantara Observation-1 (NEO-1), in January 2027. This satellite marks an important milestone for Indonesia’s technological independence. NEO-1 is a mini-satellite designed and operated entirely within Indonesia. The satellite uses an Automatic Identification System (AIS) to monitor ship activities, along with optical sensors in the visible light spectrum and thermal infrared. “The launch of NEO-1 is not the end goal, but rather part of a regeneration from previous satellites and the beginning of a great journey towards Indonesian space independence,” he stated. The event also commemorated 50 years since the launch of the Palapa A1 satellite in 1976, a launch that made history as Indonesia became the third country in the world to own and operate a domestic communications satellite, after the United States and Canada. Wayan Toni Supriyanto, Director General of Digital Infrastructure at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, said the presence of satellites is crucial for the frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged regions. He expressed hope that the 50th anniversary would serve as a new starting point to ensure Indonesia’s self-reliance in the satellite sector, as mastery of satellite infrastructure will determine information and communication resilience in the future. Adi Rahman Adiwoso, chairman of the Indonesian Space Association, also emphasised the need for independence and specific space regulations so that Indonesia can become not just a consumer but also a producer.