BRIN highlights Indonesia's potential as regional space industry hub

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) highlighted Indonesia's immense potential to lead the regional space industry and protect its national space sovereignty.

Speaking at an event marking the 50th anniversary of Indonesian satellite technology in Jakarta on Wednesday, BRIN Head Arif Satria stated that space industry development has become a priority for the government, as integrated into the 2025–2045 National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN).

"Indonesia actually possesses an asset that many other nations do not have: its geographical position near the equator," Arif noted.

"This advantage provides higher launch efficiency, positioning Indonesia strategically as a prospective hub for satellite launch activities in the region,” he added.

According to the Plan, the government is focusing on three key dimensions to build the country's space industry ecosystem: the space economy, space sustainability and space defense.

These three pillars, according to Arif, will dictate national competitiveness in the future global space arena.

On the economic front, Indonesia aims to unlock new financial opportunities through domestic satellite manufacturing, downstream services and the deployment of space-based data applications.

Regarding sustainability, the government underscores the necessity of maintaining outer space, particularly in light of the rapid global surge in satellite launches and the growing threat of space debris.

Meanwhile, the space defense pillar is considered vital for national resilience. Arif emphasized that mastering space technology and securing strategic orbital assets are essential steps to strengthen national security.

He added that Indonesia's geographical nature as an archipelagic nation situated on the equator perfectly accommodates these three dimensions.

"We must transform this geographical advantage into technological, economic and geopolitical advantages," Arif remarked.

To realize this vision, BRIN is committed to maximizing Indonesia’s geographical strengths, not only by advancing academic research but also by fostering a national space industry ecosystem.

This includes nurturing skilled local talent and building an environment capable of generating investment and high-tech job opportunities.

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Translator: Livia Kristianti, Yashinta Difa

Editor: Primayanti

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