Why Indonesia Needs to Be Sovereign in Space
- Dec 14, 2025
- 4 min read
On 24 June 2025, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried a small but historic payload: The RIDU-Sat 1 nano-satellite, which was developed in collaboration between Indonesia’s Defence University, the Berlin Nano Satellite Alliance and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). This achievement sends a broader message that national sovereignty today must extend beyond land, sea and air to encompass space and data.
Image source: SatNOGS Databank
In the digital age, data has become one of the world's most valuable and strategic resources. It is often referred to as the “new oil” or “new gold” of the 21st century. From economic planning to national defence, data drives decisions across all sectors. Those who control data control the future.
The Strategic Value of Geospatial Data
Of all the different types of data, geospatial data — information tied to a specific location — is one of the most important. Satellite imagery, maps and digital coordinates now form the basis of important national decisions, such as mapping agricultural productivity, monitoring floods and forest fires, and assessing defence risks along borders. However, ironically, most of Indonesia’s geospatial data still relies on foreign satellites. This dependency is not just technical; it also affects information sovereignty. There are two major risks.
First, uncertain access. During disasters, Indonesia often relies on foreign satellites to obtain imagery of affected areas. Although international data-sharing mechanisms exist, they rarely match the urgency of field operations. For example, when Bali was hit by floods in September 2025, almost no freely available satellite imagery could be used for public disaster response.
Secondly, there is geopolitical vulnerability. In times of crisis or conflict, foreign data providers will prioritise their own national interests. Access can be delayed, restricted or cut off entirely. Consequently, Indonesia could be left without access to accurate information at the very moment it needs it most.
When the Space Industry Goes Commercial
The challenge is growing as the global space industry continues to evolve. Historically, Earth observation and satellite programmes were dominated by state agencies such as NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Today, however, private companies are leading the revolution. SpaceX has transformed rocket launches by offering cheaper, reusable systems that are now used by many countries, including Indonesia. Meanwhile, companies such as Planet Labs, Maxar and Airbus are operating hundreds of commercial Earth observation satellites. Planet Labs alone operates a fleet of over 200 active satellites, capturing images of the entire planet daily.
Rather than selling raw imagery, these companies now offer AI-powered analytics for various applications, such as tracking illegal fishing, predicting crop yields, and monitoring military activities. What was once a topic of university research has become a global industry worth billions.
Without their own sustainable national data sources, Indonesian researchers and institutions risk becoming permanent consumers of foreign technology rather than innovators shaping their own future.
Policy Consistency and Sustainable Research
Although Indonesia is often considered to be behind the times, it already has a foundation in small-satellite technology through the LAPAN-A series.
The programme began with the launch of LAPAN-TUBSAT (A1) in 2007 — a collaboration between Indonesia's LAPAN (now part of the National Research and Innovation Agency, BRIN) and the Technische Universität Berlin. This was followed by LAPAN-A2 in 2015, which was fully assembled domestically, and LAPAN-A3 in 2016. The latter was developed in collaboration with the Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB) for multispectral remote sensing with a focus on agriculture, forestry, and the environment.
BRIN is now preparing the Nusantara Earth Observation (NEO) constellation, an ambitious initiative to build a national network of optical and radar (SAR) satellites. With consistent support, this project could enable Indonesia to monitor its territory in near real time, from farmlands to defence zones. To achieve this vision, strong and consistent government policy is crucial.
Firstly, space data independence should be made a national strategic priority. The legal framework already exists: Law No. 21 of 2013 on Outer Space mandates national independence in space technology. What is needed now is a clear roadmap detailing the number of satellites required, funding schemes, partnerships between academia, industry and state enterprises, and plans for the integration and use of data by ministries and local governments.
Secondly, long-term research and development must be invested in. Funding for satellite and remote-sensing research must be continuous and focused. Institutions such as the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and universities require sustained support in order to develop in-depth expertise and ensure the transfer of knowledge to younger generations.
Thirdly, strategic partnerships should be encouraged to promote independence rather than dependency. While learning from advanced nations is valuable, the end goal must be self-reliance. Strategic collaborations should also include local start-ups and private industries. Start-ups around the world are racing to develop satellites and space-based analytics. With the right incentives, Indonesia could become a leader in this field.
Sovereignty in the Age of Data
Ultimately, sovereignty in space and data is about more than just technology; it is also about national resilience and future readiness. In an era in which data influences economies, security and policy, Indonesia must establish its own digital and spatial foundation. This doesn’t mean isolating itself from international cooperation. Rather, it means engaging as an equal partner from a position of strength, not as a dependent.
With the right investments, clear policies and the creativity of its young scientists and engineers, Indonesia can close the gap. True sovereignty in the 21^(st) century means mastering not only land, sea and air, but also space and data. Only then can Indonesia confidently move towards a future where it truly masters its own information and destiny.
References
Kementerian Pertahanan RI, “Unhan RI Sukses Luncurkan Satelit Nano Indonesia, RIDU-Sat 1” (Kemhan news, 25 Juni 2025) https://www.kemhan.go.id/2025/06/25/unhan-ri-sukses-luncurkan-satelit-nano-indonesia-ridu-sat-1.html
Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) untuk Keamanan dan Pertahanan https://www.technogis.co.id/geospatial-intelligence-geoint-untuk-keamanan-dan-pertahanan/
Lemhannas RI, “Kedaulatan Antariksa Indonesia: Frontir Terakhir yang Terlupakan”, Jurnal Kajian Lemhannas Edisi 21, 2015
About Author
Mohammad Rohmaneo Darminto is a doctoral candidate in Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation Science at Technische Universität Berlin and a lecturer at Department of Geomatics Engineering, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), Surabaya. He focuses on geoinformatics and disaster mitigation. The views expressed are personal.
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/rohmaneo/
Instagram: @rohmaneo
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