Hence, the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) is determined to establish a space force, like the United States and China, to ensure Indonesia's military can exploit the space to defend the nation, he said.
"The future of our defense lies in the space. Control of the space will be the key to our national sovereignty in the modern era," Harjono added.
His remarks were read by the Air Force Academy Governor, Rear Marshal Purwoko Aji Prabowo, while opening an online seminar on space capability development, followed from here on Thursday.
According to Harjono, the governments of countries with space forces have invested significantly in space technology and scientific research. As a result, they are now capable of optimizing their space force.
"Those countries are optimizing the space to conduct intelligence and reconnaissance operations, which pose challenges for Indonesia, especially the Indonesian Air Force," he said.
The Chief of Staff did not specify whether developing a national space force would require large funds and advanced human resources. He is open to discussions and inputs from the public to ensure the country can establish such a force in the future.
Harjono also highlighted the need to study other countries that have established a space force. Indonesia can learn from them in terms of the work systems, technologies, and human resource development required for a space force.
"We need to learn from experiences from other countries, such as the United States, Australia, and France, to understand the insight and best practices for further implementation in Indonesia," he said.
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Translator: Walda Marison, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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