Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo on Friday morning chaired a limited cabinet meeting on the use of mobile satellites for national defense and security.

Mobile satellites are crucial for communication in remote areas and the outermost isles, according to the head of state.

Satellites can help communicate various aspects concerning maritime affairs, money order monitoring system, defense and security, and disaster emergency, among others, he noted.

In the meeting, the president also sought information on the cost of using mobile satellites.

Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung had earlier stated that the government must decide on the usage of slots for satellites prior to December 7, 2015.

"We do have satellites positioned in one of the orbits, and the president needs to decide before the deadline on December 7. As the orbit is used for defense and security as well as maritime purposes, the president recommended that Indonesia must continue to own the orbit," Anung pointed out before the meeting.

The Friday meeting was a continuation of the meeting held on the previous day, he noted.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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