Indonesia Nears Completion of Asia’s Leading Astronomical Observatory

RRI.CO.ID, Kupang - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is fast-tracking the completion of the National Observatory at Mount Timau in Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Poised to become one of the most advanced space observation facilities in Asia, the site will feature Southeast Asia’s largest telescope and occupy a unique strategic position near the equator.

During a site visit on Thursday, May 7, 2026, BRIN leadership emphasized the urgency of the project, which has now reached 95 percent completion. The facility is expected to serve as a critical strategic asset for Indonesian space research and act as a supporting hub for the planned national spaceport in Biak, Papua.

“We want this telescope to be completed and fully operational immediately, as it will be a strategic facility for strengthening Indonesia's space research. Simultaneously, it supports the development of the national spaceport in Biak, Papua,” said Head of BRIN, Arif Satria, as quoted on BRIN's official website.

Beyond the physical construction of the telescope, BRIN is focused on fostering a robust research environment. This includes recruiting new researchers, revitalizing the magnetometer building, and upgrading support facilities to ensure optimal operational capacity.

“Not only building the telescope, we also need to strengthen the research ecosystem. Adding researchers and revitalizing the magnetometer building are important parts of supporting the observatory's operation optimally,” Arif added.

To ensure the site does not remain isolated, BRIN has also called upon the Kupang Regency Administration to improve road access to the Mount Timau area, citing the observatory's strategic role in national interest.

The Mount Timau telescope is a rarity in the field of global astronomy. According to Andre Pandie, a Research Fellow at BRIN’s Space Research Center, there are currently only two telescopes in the world with these specific specifications, one in Japan and this new installation in Indonesia.

“Our strategic position on the equator is also an ideal spot for outer space observation. Because of that, there is already international cooperation, and there will be further cooperation waiting once this telescope is operational,” Pandie explained.

The observatory is expected to serve as a primary support facility for national space activities, bridging the gap between land-based observation and Indonesia’s future ambitions for orbital launches. ***