RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta -The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is officially laying the groundwork for Indonesia’s transition to 6G technology. Researchers at BRIN’s Telecommunications Research Center (PRT) are developing high-precision antennas for next-generation mobile networks and advanced satellite communications (SATCOM).

Focusing on the future of ultra-high-speed data, the research targets the millimeter-wave frequency spectrum, which is expected to be the backbone of 6G in Indonesia. A primary challenge in 6G development is hardware integration.

Lead researcher Yohanes Galih Adhiyoga explained that his team is focusing on single-layer and multi-layer microstrip antennas. These antennas must be engineered with ultra-compact dimensions to fit within modern smartphones alongside existing cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth hardware.

"We cannot have an antenna with dimensions exceeding the size of the cell phone itself. Therefore, the antenna must be designed as small as possible so that it can be placed inside the device," Yohanes stated in Jakarta on Friday, February 13, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Beyond mobile devices, BRIN is developing a phased-array system for satellite communications. This technology, similar to SpaceX’s Starlink, enables antennas to track fast-moving satellites electronically rather than mechanically.

In a breakthrough for satellite technology, the phased array system allows for fixed hardware with moving signals, meaning the antenna remains physically stationary while the signal beam is steered electronically.

This capability is absolutely crucial for satellite tracking, as it maintains a stable link with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites that move rapidly across the sky.

Furthermore, the system is designed to provide seamless geostationary links, ensuring constant and reliable communication between ground stations and satellites in higher orbits.

To support these ambitious projects, BRIN has equipped its Telecommunications Research Center with a suite of specialized laboratories and cutting-edge facilities. Within the Antenna and Propagation (AP) Laboratory, researchers conduct rigorous testing to ensure optimal signal reach and clarity.

The RFMAP Laboratory serves as a hub for microwave and photonic research, while the Near-field Anechoic Chamber provides a specialized, interference-free environment to characterize antennas with absolute precision.

Furthermore, the center is outfitted with Advanced Equipment, including a network analyzer capable of high-frequency measurements up to 110 GHz and a Protolaser H4, which facilitates the high-precision fabrication of electronic prototypes. ***