BRIN Supports Technology Innovation To Expand Access To Astronomical Education In Indonesia
JAKARTA BRIN Space Research Center with the International Astronomical Union (IAU) held a 100 Hour Astronomy event for All. Through this event, experts highlight the importance of astronomy education.
In a session titled Adventures in Space: From Engaged Astronomy Lessons to Virtual Space Missions, Dwi Yoshafetri Yuna from the University of Melbourne explained the challenges of astronomy in Indonesia. According to him, knowledge in this field is still very limited.
For example, observatories are still minimal. This is detrimental to students who want to study their knowledge in depth. In addition, the curriculum regarding astronomy is also not evenly distributed, so there are still many students who do not understand this field.
In fact, this field has a great opportunity in Indonesia. Dwi noted that the interest of the Indonesian people in astronomy continues to grow even though the level of science literacy still needs to be increased.
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Dwi also emphasized that this is the right time to present astronomy in a more attractive and closer way to public daily life. One of the innovative efforts introduced is the Space Mission and Spectastellar program.
This program utilizes virtual reality (VR) technology for immersive simulations. People can experience as if they are part of a real exploration mission, such as collecting lunar rock samples.
"This is the time to present astronomy in a more attractive, accessible, and close way to people's daily lives," said Dwi, launching from BRIN broadcast on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
BRIN Space Research Center researcher, Farhahati Mumtataha, welcomed initiatives such as Misiluangkasa.id and SpectaStellar. He assessed that astronomy packaged in creative programs and innovative formats will attract students' curiosity more.
"In the future, the expansion of collaboration, offline (outline) activities, and community involvement will be the key to maintaining this momentum so that astronomy is not just a curiosity, but also an important part of public education and culture," said Farhahati.