Indonesia Remote Sensing Satellite

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, has a total area of 5.46 million km2 of which 65% is ocean. The mainland regions of Indonesia consist of 17,504 large and small islands, with a population of 270 million in 2018.  As a developing country, Indonesia keeps growing and enhancing its natural resources, ranging from agriculture, plantation, fishery, mining, forestry, and also its infrastructure and urban development.

To improve the efficient and cost-effective management on the development of these activities, technology capable of providing timely and accurate spatial information of natural resources and environment is a critical need. Satellite remote sensing integrated with geographical information system (GIS) can play a major role in all geographic and spatial aspects. These technologies are useful for facilitating rapid decision-making process and supporting the government in achieving its targets.

Under presidential decree, Indonesia has set targets for its satellite sensing capabilities for both the mid and long term. By 2030 the Government of Indonesia expects to develop, launch and begin operations of a national earth observation satellite in the 500 kg class, to include optical cameras. The government’s mid-term targets also include the launch of a national earth observation satellite with synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) sensors on an equatorial or near-equatorial orbit. For the longer term, through 2040, Indonesia expects to be operating 500-kg class remote sensing satellites with optic cameras and SAR sensors.

For all government institutional applications and with applications using government funding, remote sensing imagery must be supplied by Indonesia’s National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN).  For private applications, individual companies are free to procure imagery from any remote sensing data providers.

There are several key opportunities for U.S. companies seeking to provide remote sensing technologies in Indonesia:

1. Development of Remote Sensing Satellite
Based on the development planning of remote sensing satellite, foreign governments and private companies can supply and/or cooperate with LAPAN to develop, launch, and operate of Indonesia national operational earth observation satellite weights 500 kg with optic camera. On the next phase is to develop a 500-kg class remote sensing satellite with optic cameras and SAR sensors.

2. Remote Sensing Ground Station and Processing Equipment
Since most remote sensing data requires processing before they are usable, U.S. companies have an opportunity to supply ground data processing software and equipment. Other opportunities includes upgrading and maintaining LAPAN’s existing remote sensing ground stations.

3. Remote Sensing Satellite Imagery
Remote sensing and GIS technologies are currently being applied extensively in Indonesia. Many government agencies and private companies have utilized remote sensing data for various applications. The needs for remote sensing imagery in the country are ranging from low resolution to high resolution satellite data.  To support the continuous operation and utilization of remote sensing technology and imagery, the presence of U.S. technologies remain crucial. 

There are no significant trade barriers as existing government regulations are sufficient to support the development of remote sensing activities in the country. A key obstacle however remains the government’s limited budget for remote sensing and GIS development. International cooperation coupled with effective financing strategies are important to maintain and accelerate remote sensing and GIS development in Indonesia.

For additional information contact kalung.riang@trade.gov.