26-7-2023 (JAKARTA) The National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN) and Japan’s National Space Policy Secretariat of the Cabinet Office have taken a significant step towards collaboration in the realm of satellite navigation systems and technologies. In a momentous event on Tuesday in Jakarta, the two nations signed a letter of intent (LOI), marking the beginning of a potential joint effort to harness the power of satellites for various applications.
R. Hendrian, BRIN’s Deputy of Research and Utilization of Innovation, emphasized that the LOI represents an exciting starting point for future cooperation that may pave the way for concrete projects. He highlighted the vital role of satellites and their technologies, particularly for countries like Indonesia, with its vast archipelagic landscape.
Budi Prawara, Head of Research Organization for Electronics and Informatics at BRIN, shed light on the potential utilization of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) under the cooperation. The QZSS, renowned for its high precision, could find applications in supporting the development of autonomous electric vehicles and smart buoys, projects that BRIN has been diligently working on.
The integration of the QZSS into self-driving car navigation systems is particularly appealing to BRIN, making it a focal point of their research organization’s efforts. To foster knowledge exchange, BRIN plans to organize a workshop on satellite navigation systems and technologies, inviting Japanese experts to share insights with participants engaged in satellite navigation receiver projects.
As described on the QZSS’s official website, the satellite system is primarily composed of satellites in quasi-zenith orbits (QZO). It has operated as a four-satellite constellation since November 2018, with three of the satellites visible at all times from locations in the Asia-Oceania region. Given its high compatibility, it can seamlessly integrate with the Global Positioning System (GPS), earning it the nickname “Japanese GPS.”
The QZSS contributes significantly to strengthening industrial competitiveness, modernizing operations across various sectors, enhancing lifestyle and administration, and bolstering disaster mitigation capabilities. It also plays a crucial role in providing regional positional services for Japan’s greater presence in the Asia Pacific region and enhancing national security through Japan-US cooperation.
