BRIN Agenda: Launch New Satellite in 2027 and Prepare for Space Airport Development in Biak

Jakarta - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is preparing to launch a new satellite work of the nation's children which is planned to be launched in January 2027 through India. The head of BRIN Arif Satria also conveyed that Indonesia is preparing to build a Space Airport in Biak.

Biak is one of a number of locations that will be studied further for the construction of the Space Airport. This was conveyed by Arif Satria at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday, July 7.

Regarding the satellite to be launched, Arif explained that it was a cooperation between Indonesia and India in the space sector. The satellite was prepared to support food security, environmental monitoring, and satellite image needs. So far, BRIN has cooperated with the Indian Space Research Organization or ISRO in monitoring Indian satellites from Biak, Papua.

He said Indonesia actually already has several BRIN production satellites in orbit. However, the satellite that will be launched in 2027 is the latest version. The satellite was made in Bogor and the production process took about a year. Arif said the satellite had not been given a name.

Regarding the plan to develop the Space Airport, Arif explained that this was one of the discussions in the cooperation between Indonesia and India in the aerospace sector. The issue was also emphasized in the meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Arif said BRIN had received instructions to immediately follow up on the plan. Talks with the Indian side were also said to be intensifying. According to Arif, preparations for the spaceport have actually been going on for a long time. The plan has been initiated since the era of the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space or LAPAN in the 1980s.

After President Prabowo started his duties, the plan was accelerated again. For 2026, BRIN will draw up a master plan, planning, and continue coordination with local governments.

Arif said that the local government was involved from the beginning. The project budget has not been announced. Arif said the value is still being calculated because the government is also opening the opportunity for investor involvement.