Satelit Republik Indonesia 1 (SATRIA 1) has been successfully launched and placed into its designated orbit. The satellite was carried into space by a Falcon 9 rocket, operated by SpaceX, the company owned by Elon Musk.Â
The launch took place at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States, on Sunday, June 18, 2023.
Collaboration with France
SATRIA 1 was developed by PT Satelit Nusantara III in collaboration with Thales Alenia Space, a space technology company based in Cannes, France.
The satellite utilizes the Very High-Throughput Satellite (VHTS) technology and operates in the Ka-Band frequency. Its functionality is expected to commence gradually from January 2024.
The primary objective of SATRIA 1 is to promote equal development, particularly in digital infrastructure across public service centers throughout Indonesia.
Acting Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Mahfud MD, previously stated that the launch of SATRIA 1 is part of an effort to achieve inclusivity in the digital economy by providing internet access anywhere in the country.
“Satellite technology enables the acceleration of internet access in rural areas that cannot be reached by fiber optic technology within the next 10 years,” said Mahfud Md, on June 13, 2023.
SATRIA 1 benefits
Moreover, the internet access provided by SATRIA 1 will bring significant benefits to communities with limited or inadequate internet quality. “The priority recipients of internet access from are the education sector, healthcare facilities, local government offices, as well as the military and police,” Mahfud added.
The SATRIA project was carried out through a public-private partnership scheme, with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kemen Kominfo) responsible for project coordination through its public service agency, BAKTI Kominfo. PT Satelit Nusantara III, as the organizing business entity (BUP), was formed by the PSN consortium.Â
The PSN consortium is the first private satellite company consortium in Indonesia, with over 32 years of experience as a satellite operator in Indonesia and Asia.
With the successful launch of SATRIA 1, Indonesia takes a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide and ensuring widespread access to reliable internet services. This development opens new possibilities for the country’s digital economy, education, healthcare, and governance sectors, promoting a more inclusive and connected society.
