Biak Spaceport is being built, BRIN is preparing a master plan and looking for investors

Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Arif Satria. (Teddy VOI)

JAKARTA - The plan to build an Indonesian space airport has been accelerated again. One of the candidate locations prepared is in Biak, Papua, although the government has not determined the final point of the project.

Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency or BRIN, Arif Satria, said the plan for a space airport was one of the discussions in the cooperation between Indonesia and India in the aerospace sector. The issue was also emphasized in a meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Earlier, the Prime Minister and the President emphasized that cooperation in this space airport must be strengthened," said Arif at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday, July 7.

Arif said BRIN had received instructions to immediately follow up on the plan. Talks with the Indian side were also said to be intensifying.

"Indeed, we have intensively held talks with the Indian side regarding the construction of a space airport," he said.

The spaceport, or satellite launch facility, is expected to make Indonesia able to launch its own satellites. Currently, BRIN-produced satellites are still launched from India. If the launch facility is available, Indonesia can also serve the launch of satellites belonging to other countries.

"So later we will be able to launch our own satellites, in collaboration with India," said Arif.

According to Arif, the preparation of the spaceport has actually been going on for a long time. The plan was initiated since the era of the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space or LAPAN in the 1980s. After President Prabowo took office, the plan was again accelerated.

"When the President started his presidential duties, he then accelerated the plan again. So we will immediately realize it starting in 2027," he said.

For 2026, BRIN will prepare a master plan, planning, and continue coordination with local governments. Arif said 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 opportunities for investor involvement.

"The budget is currently being arranged. Because this is where we will involve various investors," said Arif.

He said the results of the master plan would determine the budget needs that must be prepared.

Regarding the location, Arif said BRIN already had several options. Biak is one of the candidate locations, but not the only one. BRIN also prepared a list of candidates in other places.

"There are already several options. We have prepared several options. We have communicated with the governor, with the regent, and also with the indigenous community leaders," he said.

Arif emphasized that this project must have an impact on the Papuan people if Biak is chosen. According to him, the social aspect cannot be separated from strategic projects such as a spaceport.

"The important thing for the Papuan people is that this must also have an impact on the Papuan people," he said.

The selection of the location, continued Arif, will be based on scientific studies and academic manuscripts. One consideration is the efficiency and effectiveness of the launch, including proximity to the equator.

"We are looking for the most strategic, most effective, and most efficient places," said Arif.

Biak has long been referred to as strategic for space activities because of its position near the equator. However, Arif emphasized that decisions must still be based on studies.

"To choose the location, we must also conduct a study," he said.

Arif said the decision on the location was still pending study. The government is also still drafting a master plan to calculate the budget needs and continue communication with local governments and indigenous community leaders.