“We must focus on generating new demand and building a space ecosystem centered on remote sensing,” Handoko said during a panel discussion titled “Space: Urgency and Relevance for Indonesia” held in Jakarta on Thursday.
Remote sensing refers to the measurement or acquisition of data about an object or phenomenon by a device that is not in direct contact with it, typically from aircraft, spacecraft, or satellites.
Handoko noted that Indonesia is the largest user of remote sensing data, not because it is a continent, but because it is an archipelagic nation.
“With so much water, it’s impossible for us to operate without remote sensing data,” he said.
Handoko emphasized that acquiring such data is costly due to Indonesia’s vast geographic expanse.
To reduce costs and potentially generate revenue, BRIN has been developing a remote sensing satellite constellation since 2022. Handoko explained that purchasing this data individually would be prohibitively expensive for various government bodies, which is why BRIN currently manages all acquisitions.
Handoko urged all stakeholders, including the private sector, to collaborate on the national satellite constellation project to ensure its benefits are widely shared.
He believes the government should lead the initiative, while operational responsibilities should be transferred to the private sector.
This approach, he added, would allow private entities to commercialize the data, expand access, and foster the growth of startups developing platforms based on remote sensing technology.
“There is a clear niche market, whether for monitoring fisheries, weather, or oil palm plantations. The business opportunities are there,” he said.
“We will provide the satellite constellation upfront, along with infrastructure for high-performance computing and backend systems. That way, startups only need to invest their sweat equity,” Handoko concluded.
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Translator: Sean Filo Muhamad, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: Primayanti
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