TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) targets the launch of the Nusantara Earth Observation-1 (NEO-1) satellite in January 2027. BRIN Head Arif Satria stated that all NEO-1 assets are prepared relying on indigenous innovations, starting from mission design, system design, software testing, satellite operations, to ground station support.
The earth observation satellite is projected to become the first satellite developed through comprehensive national satellite technology mastery (end-to-end). The development of NEO-1, according to Arif, is part of the national strategy to build Indonesia's capability in mastering the entire satellite technology chain.
"The launch of NEO 1 will be an important milestone indicating that Indonesia is increasingly capable of mastering the entire satellite technology chain," said Arif in commemoration of 50 Years of Indonesian Satellites, quoted from a written statement on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
According to Arif, NEO-1 is designed to provide national satellite image data that can be utilized for regional mapping, agricultural monitoring, forestry, marine monitoring, disaster mitigation, environmental monitoring, and ship activity monitoring through the Automatic Identification System (AIS). The presence of the satellite is expected to strengthen Indonesia's self-reliance in mastering satellite technology and remote sensing data.
He stated that Indonesia's vision does not stop at the development of earth observation satellites. Mastery of satellite telecommunications technology, the construction of a National Spaceport, and the development of the space industry also form part of the effort to build an aerospace ecosystem that can create added economic value while reducing dependence on foreign technology.
"We are laying the groundwork for Indonesia to not only be a user of space technology, but to become a technology producer, service provider, and a key player in the global space economy," he said.
Arif added that Indonesia has a strategic advantage being located in the equatorial region, allowing satellite launches to be carried out more efficiently. This geographical advantage, he said, needs to be optimized through strengthening research, innovation, human resources, and stakeholder collaboration to become a technological, economic, and geopolitical advantage.
Director General of Digital Infrastructure at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology Wayan Toni Supriyanto stated that satellites are a strategic infrastructure connecting remote and underdeveloped regions, supporting education, health, disaster management, and national defense services.
"Satellite connectivity is not just a technical matter, but a matter of sovereignty. Whoever controls their own satellite infrastructure, controls the future of national information and communication resilience," he said.
Read: BRIN Opens Internship Program for College Students
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