Jakarta, IO – Indonesian telecommunication satellite SATRIA-1 became the first internet satellite owned by the Government of Indonesia to successfully launch into space from Cape Canaveral Space Lauch Complex 40 (SLC 40) in Florida, US, Monday (19/6).
The launch was delayed by around 15 minutes from the original schedule of 6:04pm local time (5.04am WIB), per Katadata.
SATRIA-1 is Indonesia’s first internet satellite to bring internet connectivity to frontier, outermost and remote (3T) regions.
Based on the latest study by the Communications and Information Ministry’s Accessibility Agency (BAKTI) in 2023, SATRIA-1 has a capacity of 150 Gbps and will provide internet services at 50,000 public facilities. The satellite is expected to gradually become operational from January 2024.
Acting Communications and Information Minister Mahfud MD previously explained that the satellite launch was part of the government’s efforts to realize inclusiveness in providing internet access throughout the country.
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According to him, this step will provide significant benefits for people who are still experiencing inadequate internet connectivity.
“Satellite technology enables acceleration of internet access provision in villages that cannot be reached by fiber optic technology in the next 10 years,” said Mahfud. (un)