Indonasian remote areas to get high speed internet as SpaceX launches satellite SATRIA-1

SpaceX, Elon Musk’s space exploration company, has partnered with the Indonesian government to launch a satellite from the United States with the goal of providing high-speed internet to Indonesia’s remote areas. With over 17,000 islands making up the huge archipelago, more than a third of Indonesia’s population lacks internet connection, particularly in the country’s far-flung regions. 

The SATRIA-1 satellite, built by the French defence electronics company Thales, launched from a launch site in Florida in the early hours of Monday, Indonesia time, pushed by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

SpaceX announced on its website,

“SpaceX launched the PSN SATRIA mission to a geosynchronous transfer orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.”

The satellite cost $540 million to build, and the Indonesian government hopes it will serve as a vital link connecting 90,000 schools, 40,000 hospitals, and government facilities across the country.

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Indonesian President Joko Widodo praised the project, stating that SATRIA-1 is the “first government-owned multi-function satellite with the largest capacity in Asia.” President Widodo announced the satellite will be positioned above Papua province, Indonesia’s easternmost region, in an Instagram post on Monday. Its primary goal is to provide internet connection in remote and inaccessible places, particularly for education, healthcare, and public services. Acting Communication and Informatics Minister Mahfud MD emphasised the importance of the satellite, adding, 

“Satellite technology will accelerate internet access to villages in areas that cannot be reached by fiber optics in the next 10 years.”

SATRIA-1, which is expected to be operational by 2024, is expected to provide an astounding connection speed of 150 gigabytes per second. This is three times quicker than the existing satellite internet speed in Indonesia. Thales stated in a news release that the satellite will be crucial in bridging the digital divide in Indonesia and would be the most powerful in the Southeast Asia region.

According to Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, president commissioner of PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), who addressed the audience during the satellite launch, the development of SATRIA-1 was delayed due to the problems provided by the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. On this crucial project, PSN is partnering with the Indonesian government. The successful launch of the 4.5-tonne satellite into orbit is a watershed moment for the country.

Once operational, SATRIA-1 will provide internet access to 50,000 public service stations throughout Indonesia. This ambitious initiative aims to use satellite technology to overcome the limits of fibre optics and bring dependable internet connectivity to communities and isolated locations that have previously been denied access. The satellite’s outstanding throughput capacity will play a critical role in empowering communities by giving access to information, educational resources, and telemedicine services, ultimately contributing to the population’s development and well-being.

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SpaceX’s participation in this project strengthens its position as a forerunner in the space sector. The company’s competence in satellite launches, as well as its relationship with Thales, prepared the path for SATRIA-1’s successful deployment. Collaborations between private firms and governments serve as catalysts for transformative projects that meet societal needs as technological breakthroughs continue to push the boundaries of what is achievable.

Indonesia’s dedication to closing the digital divide is admirable. The government intends to empower its residents, expand educational possibilities, improve healthcare services, and facilitate public administration by investing in satellite technology and prioritising the supply of internet connection to even the most distant regions of the archipelago. The successful launch of SATRIA-1 is an important step towards attaining these objectives, as Indonesia strives to build a more inclusive and connected society.

Finally, the collaboration between SpaceX and the Indonesian government resulted in the successful deployment of the SATRIA-1 satellite, which offers the promise of bringing high-speed internet to distant locations throughout Indonesia. SATRIA-1 is an important milestone in the country’s attempts to provide fair access to information, education, and healthcare services, thanks to its exceptional capabilities and ability to bridge the digital divide. As it circles above Papua region, the satellite lays the path for progress, creativity, and connectivity in the Indonesian archipelago’s farthest reaches.