The Indonesian National Aeronautics and Space Administration (LAPAN) is considering cooperation with countries reminiscent of India and Japan to construct its first spaceport and launch an area program.
Indonesia will even talk over with other countries with extensive aeronautics experience to support the project. According to LAPAN, Morotai in North Maluku and Biak in Papua province are the strongest candidates for the project locations, given their proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
LAPAN Chairman Thomas Djamaluddin said China was the one country that showed interest in supporting the project. But he stopped and said: “Indonesia will reach everyone [countries]”
The agency has not yet determined the project implementation schedule or estimated costs. However, it has set a goal for Indonesia to have its own satellite launch station by 2040. In 2012, then Russian ambassador to Indonesia Alexander A. Ivanov said that Moscow was keenly considering the concept of constructing a satellite launch station in Biak.
Currently, LAPAN operates a missile station in Garut, West Java, which has been operating since 1965.
Source: The Jakarta Post
