BRIN Plans National Space Airport Construction

Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Arif Satria, said Indonesian materials must have a space airport. That way, Indonesia does not need to rely on airports owned by other countries.

Satellite launch requires an airport, just like the launch of the aircraft. However, Indonesia does not have a space airport in any area. The construction of this facility has also begun to be taken into consideration so that the space sector in Indonesia is not left behind.

Arif said that an academic study and manuscript regarding the construction of this space airport had been made. Now, BRIN only needs to propose the construction of its airport as a National Strategic Project (PSN) so that facilities are quickly built.

"We have conveyed to the President regarding preparations for the construction of a space airport," said Arif while attending the Anugerah Nurtanio Award and Nurtanio Pringgoadisuryo Memorial Lecture (NML) 2025, quoted on Friday, November 28. "If this space airport can be realized, of course this will be a new milestone for Indonesian engineering."

Arif stated that the construction of this space airport is the right step towards the independence of the national space research and technology ecosystem. Technology, BRIN believes Indonesia is ready and capable of producing good quality satellites.

"BRIN has been able to produce good satellites, including the preparation of the NEO-1 Satellite which is currently being prepared for launch next year," added Arif.

Ayom Widipaminto, Director of Research Facilitation of Education Fund Management Institutions (LPDP), revealed the location that has been targeted for this development. They plan to build a space airport in Biak Regency, Papua.

This location was chosen because it is considered very strategic with the equator so that the launch of the rocket can be more efficient in terms of energy use. Ayom also explained that Biak's location has been studied since the era of the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN).

This study will be finalized by BRIN. Although the time has not been disclosed, this finalization may be carried out in the near future because big countries such as China and Russia have long shown interest in the location.