Indonesia Embarks on a New Era of Telecommunications and Internet Connectivity with Satria-1 Satellite

Indonesia is on the verge of entering a new era in telecommunications and internet connectivity, ensuring widespread access to the internet throughout the archipelago. The Republic of Indonesia's satellite, Satria-1, will extend its network and provide connectivity to various remote areas of the country that currently have limited internet access.

Satria-1 successfully launched into space and embarked on its journey to orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from the SpaceX headquarters in Florida, United States. The satellite launch took place on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at 18:21 local time or Monday, June 19, 2023, at 05:21 WIB.

The satellite reached space without significant hurdles. However, the Satria-1 satellite, assembled by Thales Alenia Space in France, will not immediately begin operations.

Currently, the satellite will undergo an orbital phase that will take approximately 145 days. The satellite is scheduled to start operating in the fourth week of December 2023 or early 2024.

Satria-1 is a government-owned satellite. The project's development follows a public-private partnership scheme, with the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) overseeing the project, and PT Satelit Nusantara Tiga as the operator.

As the first and largest multifunctional satellite in Asia and the fifth largest in the world, Satria-1 is designed to provide high-speed internet and connect 150,000 schools, community health centers, village administrative offices, and local government facilities across Indonesia.

In detail, Satria-1 aims to cover 3,700 healthcare service points, 9,390 schools and Islamic boarding schools, 47,900 villages, and 4,500 public service points. In addition to providing social benefits to the community, this satellite technology also supports the country's economy, as well as its security and defense systems.

The launch of Satria-1 represents a significant milestone in Indonesia's efforts to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity nationwide. With improved internet access, remote areas will have the opportunity to unlock educational, economic, and developmental opportunities, thereby contributing to the nation's overall progress and prosperity.