Overcoming Communication Network Problems In Remote Regions, Indonesia Will Launch RI-I Satellite

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD (ANTARA)

AMBON - The Ministry of Communication and Information (Kemenkominfo) will soon launch the Republic of Indonesia I or Satria satellite in Florida, United States to serve networks in remote areas including Maluku. "For network problems in the Maluku border area, later on June 19, 2023 we will launch Satria or satellite RI-I in Maluku. It will serve networks throughout remote areas," said Plt. Minister of Communication and Information Mahfud MD quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, June 14. This was stated by Mahfud MD during a working visit in Maluku in the context of the 2023 Border Area Integrated Development Movement (Gerbangdutas). More specifically Mahfud revealed that the Republic of Indonesia I or Satria Satellite will be used for public services. "What is certain is for schools, hospitals, and offices," he continued. He continued, later the Republic of Indonesia Satellite I or Satria will only operate at the latest in January 2024. This is an effort to eradicate the development and inclusion the community in the digital economy by providing internet in any area including in the outermost Maluku region," he said. Internet access provided by the Republic of Indonesia Satellite I or Satria will provide significant benefits for the public service locations that do not yet have access or inadequate access. "The satellite technology allows the acceleration of internet supply in villages that cannot be reached by optical fiber technology in the next 10 years," he explained. This Republic of Indonesia Satellite Project I or Satria uses a Government Cooperation with Business Entity (KPBU) scheme. The community is also expected to provide support so that the launch and operation is successful." Later, the community can take advantage of the internet capacity of the Republic of Indonesia Republic I or Satria in stages," he said.

The Republic of Indonesia I or Satria satellite has a capacity of 150 Gbps, or six times larger than Indonesia has ever had before. The satellite will connect 150 thousand points from schools to health services that are difficult to reach optical cables. This satellite was developed by PT Satelit Nusantara 3 with Very High-throughput Satellite (VHTS) technology and Ka-Band frequency. Meanwhile, the construction was carried out by Thales Alenia Space, France.