Jayapura – The Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Arif Satria, stated that the majority of traditional leaders in Biak, Papua, have approved the planned development of a spaceport.
“Thank God, most traditional leaders have signed the agreement regarding the development of a spaceport in Biak,” Arif said when met at the BRIN Headquarters in Jakarta, Wednesday (July 8, 2026).
This support was obtained after BRIN coordinated and held dialogues with the local government and stakeholders in the region.
Arif stated that BRIN recently visited Biak to coordinate with the Papua Provincial Government, the Biak Numfor Regency Government, and traditional leaders to discuss the planned development of the spaceport.
“We have coordinated with the local government and community representatives in Biak. We have also held dialogues with traditional leaders,” he said.
According to Arif, BRIN is not only focused on infrastructure development, but also ensuring that the spaceport benefits the surrounding community.
“What we continue to emphasize is how this spaceport also benefits the surrounding community. That is our primary concern,” he said.
The Biak Spaceport will be built on 100 hectares of land. Regarding land availability, he explained that the core zone of the spaceport requires approximately 100 hectares.
“For the core zone, the land requirement is approximately 100 hectares, and BRIN already owns the land. The land acquisition process has been underway for a long time,” Arif said.
Regarding land availability, he explained that the core zone requires approximately 100 hectares.
“For the core zone, the land requirement is approximately 100 hectares, and BRIN already owns the land. The land acquisition process has been underway for a long time,” Arif said.
Cooperation with India: In addition to the core zone, spaceport development also requires a buffer zone as a technical requirement to support the facility’s operations.
Meanwhile, BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency) is still reviewing various technical aspects of spaceport development, including location determination. Although Biak is a prime candidate, several other options are still being studied.
“There are several options, and the team is currently conducting studies,” said Arif.
Previously, BRIN stated that Biak was a candidate location for spaceport development due to its strategic geographic location. The area has been studied since the early 1990s and is considered efficient for supporting satellite launches due to its proximity to orbit.
