Recent Development on Astronomy and Space Sciences in Indonesia
The field of space science and technology is continuously advancing globally, with its
contribution to the global economy steadily increasing. This development has also garnered
attention in Indonesia, which has historically lagged in this domain. Consequently, in recent
years, Indonesia has intensified its activities in the space sector. A large observatory with a 3.8-
meter diameter telescope is under construction and nearing completion on Mount Timau,
Kupang, in the province of East Nusa Tenggara. This observatory will be the largest in Southeast
Asia and is expected to begin operations in 2025. Additionally, Indonesia has started constructing
an advanced VGOS radio telescope in Lembang, West Java, in collaboration with the Shanghai
Astronomical Observatory. This telescope will be a crucial node in the global VLBI network. In
2024, the Bandung Institute of Technology inaugurated the Center for Science, Technology, and
Innovation of Space. This center will conduct various research and development activities in the
field of space science, including satellite development and launch facilities, astrophysics,
remote sensing, spacecraft control systems, space biology, and more.