This Is The Reason The BAKTI Task Force Cancels The HBS Satellite Project Worth IDR 5.2 Trillion

Screenshot of the SATRIA-1 satellite that was successfully launched and made the HBS project canceled (photo: dock. Kemenkominfo)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Communication and Information (Kemenkominfo) canceled the Hot Backup Satellite (HBS) project, a backup satellite to optimize the launch from SATRIA-1.

The HBS project was terminated after the Task Force of the Telecommunications and Information Accessibility Agency (Satgas BAKTI) of the Ministry of Communication and Information reviewed the urgency, budget, contract advancement, and operational risks of SATRIA-1 which had been successfully launched.

According to the Head of the BAKTI Task Force, Kominfo Sarwoto Atmosutarno, the Rp5.2 trillion project had to be canceled after considering the SATRIA-1 project in the near future. They don't want the SATRIA-1 project to be disrupted by other projects until it fails.

"This SATRIA-1 satellite will soon operate in early 2024 so we will be very busy with how to make use of it optimally, both for the capacity of segment space or segmental ground. Don't let us not focus," said Sarwoto in an official release.

Before making the final decision regarding the termination of the HBS contract, the BAKTI Task Force had made recommendations regarding governance, risk, and compliance. They also ensure that the state does not suffer losses over ending the HBS contract.

With the cancellation of HBS, this project budget will be used for other needs. This fund will later be diverted to expand and increase access to digital connectivity, especially in achieving the success target of Digital Inclusion.

For information, SATRIA-1 is a state-owned multifunctional satellite that will be placed in the Geostationary orbit of 146 East Longitude, precisely above Papua Island.

SATRIA-1 was successfully launched on June 18 in the United States, precisely at the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral. Currently, SATRIA-1 is still on its way to orbit and is expected to be operational in early 2024.