BRIN-Russia Strengthen Collaboration to Accelerate Biak Spaceport Development
The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is committed to accelerating the development of the national spaceport on Biak Island, Papua. This commitment is demonstrated through strengthened cooperation with the Russian space company, Roscosmos.
The strengthening of cooperation took place during the visit of BRIN’s Head, Arif Satria, to Roscosmos headquarters in Russia on Wednesday (8/4). Collaboration with Roscosmos represents a strategic step in supporting Indonesia’s ambition to build the first spaceport in Southeast Asia.
During his inspection of Glavkosmos, Arif Satria also explored further cooperation opportunities, particularly in the commercialisation of space services. According to him, the development of the spaceport in Biak requires global collaboration, especially with countries that have experience and advanced technology in the space sector.
“Because we are now planning to build a Spaceport on Biak Island, Papua, and of course one of the best space technologies is Russia. Russia is one of our partners in developing our space ecosystem,” stated Arif Satria in his remarks on Thursday (16/4/2026).
Biak was chosen due to its proximity to the equator. This provides technical advantages and energy efficiency in launching rockets to various types of satellite orbits.
Biak also has open space towards the Pacific, allowing initial rocket stages to fall into the open sea. In addition, the availability of basic infrastructure such as ports and airports in Biak offers distinct advantages, facilitating the distribution and transportation of rocket components produced elsewhere.
Arif Satria is optimistic that the partnership with Roscosmos can accelerate the realisation of Indonesia’s aspiration to have its first spaceport in Southeast Asia.
“We believe that Russia, with its experience and new advanced technology, can help Indonesia achieve our dream of becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to have a spaceport,” he said.
Furthermore, Arif Satria emphasised that the development of the spaceport is not merely an infrastructure project, but part of a grand strategy to build a national space ecosystem that impacts the economy.
“Because the space ecosystem is very important; when we talk about the space ecosystem, we are not just talking about rockets. But the ecosystem boosts the economy, so it’s not just public facilities, but also for economic activities,” he said.
Through this strengthened cooperation, Arif Satria hopes that the development of the spaceport in Biak can become a catalyst for the growth of high-tech-based industries while strengthening Indonesia’s sovereignty in the space sector.
“We hope our capacity becomes stronger, enhancing our ability to create a space ecosystem,” he said.