It is the reason we are strengthening the remote sensing satellite program because we (BRIN) want to provide data (which can be used for the national development program).
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The issuance of Government Regulation Number 7 of 2023 on the mastery of space technology is expected to encourage satellite development and utilization to bolster national development, according to the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

Currently, the development of space science is not only aimed at exploring outer space, but also supporting national economic and development programs, BRIN head Laksana Tri Handoko said in a statement released on Friday.

"It is the reason we are strengthening the remote sensing satellite program because we (BRIN) want to provide data (which can be used for the national development program)," he informed.

Government Regulation Number 7 of 2023 was signed by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and officially issued in Jakarta on February 16, 2023.

The regulation covers the control and protection of space technology, space technology security standards and procedures, as well as public participation in the mastery of space technology.

Indonesia spends hundreds of billions of rupiah to buy or rent satellite imagery, thus if BRIN can create its own remote sensing satellites, it would be very beneficial for Indonesia, Handoko noted.

Indonesia can use remote sensing satellites to monitor disasters, forest fires, fishery zones, oil spills, illegal fishing, and forest coverage, among others.

Handoko said he expects the regulation to guarantee and provide legal certainty for BRIN to carry out satellite development.

"Perhaps we will not use the state budget to develop it (the satellites). We will develop it through the KPBU (public-private partnership), or cooperation between the government and business entities (thus we need legal certainty)," he added.

BRIN is planning to develop 19 remote sensing satellites, which will be launched in orbit from Indonesia. The attempt can increase the demands and needs for spaceport services in Indonesia, the BRIN head said.

Having a spaceport in Indonesia would be very beneficial because it will cut satellite launching costs by 10 to 15 percent since the force of gravity around the equator area is the lowest, he added.

Currently, the Indonesian government is striving to expedite the construction of the Biak Numfor Spaceport in Papua province.


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Translator: Sugiharto Purnama, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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