I think Biak Numfor's strategic location makes it very valuable for the global space sector.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) Moeldoko held a coordination meeting here on Monday to expedite construction of the Biak Numfor Spaceport in Papua Province as a follow-up to President Joko Widodo's directives.

"Development of the spaceport in Biak Numfor has received special attention from the president, and the enthusiasm of the people of Biak Numfor for this project is very high," the KSP head stated.

The meeting was attended by representatives from several stakeholders, including the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Secretariat of the Vice President (Setwapres), the National Development Planning (PPN) Ministry, and Biak Numfor district government.

Head of BRIN Laksana Tri Handoko stated that construction of the spaceport will be included in the national space program. The facility will be built in collaboration with investors to ease the burden on the state budget and to provide benefits for the country.

Hence, the involvement of investors in developing the Biak Numfor Spaceport is deemed essential, according to Handoko.

"Biak Numfor is our main choice (as a location to build the spaceport), considering the condition of existing (supporting) infrastructure and the potentials for collaboration with the local economy (actors)," the head of BRIN stated.

Handoko remarked that construction of the spaceport aims to bolster Indonesia's sovereignty and capabilities in the science and technology sector in the midst of the global geopolitical turmoil.

Deputy V of the KSP Jaleswari Pramodhawardani noted that Biak Numfor District's proximity to the equator could increase efficiency for satellite launches, including the operational costs.

"I think Biak Numfor's strategic location makes it very valuable for the global space sector," she remarked.

Head of Biak Numfor District Herry Ario Naap stated that the local government had resolved the land acquisition issue.

"Hundreds of hectares of land, whose ownership is guaranteed, have been provided in Biak, and we are ready to expand the area as needed," he noted.

Deputy for Government Policy Support and National Insight at the Setwapres Velix Wanggai stated that construction of the spaceport aligns with Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2020 on the Acceleration of Welfare Improvement in Papua.

Director for Higher Education as well as Science and Technology of the PPN Ministry Tatang Muttaqin noted that investors needed certainty regarding the spaceport project, so his side had moved quickly in determining Biak Numfor District as the prospective location to build the spaceport.

Related news: Indonesia to create economic value from space activities: BRIN
Related news: Papua's Cenderawasih University to get new green building in 2023
Related news: Govt expedites malaria eradication in Papua through national movement

Translator: Gilang Galiartha, Uyu Liman
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2022