Jakarta, INTI - In September 2025, the Nusantara Lima (N5) Satellite officially entered operational service following its launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States. Owned by PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara, the satellite was developed to expand internet access and strengthen digital connectivity across Indonesia. Its primary focus is directed toward 3T regions, frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped areas that continue to face limited digital access.
The N5 Satellite also represents part of Indonesia’s broader effort to strengthen national space independence. Amid the country’s growing internet demand, satellite infrastructure development is viewed as a strategic step to extend connectivity across an archipelagic nation like Indonesia.
The inauguration of the N5 Satellite’s operations was attended by Meutya Hafid alongside government officials and industry partners. In her remarks, Meutya stated that the government still faces significant challenges in delivering equal internet access to all Indonesians. Currently, around 80 percent of the population is connected to the internet, while the remainder still requires reliable digital access.
“The presence of the N5 Satellite is part of the government’s effort to uphold three main pillars: connected, growing, and protected. This satellite is expected to help deliver high-quality internet access to remote regions such as Sabang, Merauke, Rote, and Miangas,” Meutya said in an official statement received by Magdalene last week.
Largest Satellite in Asia
President Director of PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara, Adi Rahman Adiwoso, stated that the N5 Satellite is not merely a technology project, but also an important symbol of Indonesia’s growing capabilities in the space sector. In addition to serving domestic needs, the satellite is also projected to reach regional markets, including Malaysia and the Philippines. Indonesia is currently recognized as the largest player in Asia’s satellite internet industry, with a total capacity of 403 Gbps.
The N5 Satellite features Very High Throughput Satellite (VHTS) technology with a capacity of 160 Gbps and is regarded as the largest satellite in Asia. Weighing 7.8 tons, the satellite utilizes the Boeing 702 MP platform with 101 spot beams operating on Ka-band frequencies. Its technology is also equipped with a hybrid propulsion system combining chemical propulsion and Xenon-Ion Propulsion System (XIPS), which is claimed to be 10 times more efficient than conventional satellites.
To support its operations, the N5 Satellite is connected to seven ground stations located in Banda Aceh, Bengkulu, Cikarang, Gresik, Banjarmasin, Tarakan, and Kupang. The infrastructure was built to ensure satellite-based internet services can reach western, central, and eastern Indonesia, particularly regions that have long struggled with stable internet access.
President of Boeing Satellite Systems International, Ryan Reid, stated that the collaboration between Boeing and PSN marks an important step in utilizing space technology to narrow the digital connectivity gap across Indonesia’s thousands of islands.
Supporting the Domestic Technology Industry
At the same time, PSN also introduced Cerdiq, a satellite-based internet device developed by the company’s internal research team. The product was designed with a lightweight and simplified concept while utilizing the connectivity of the N5 Satellite.
The launch of Cerdiq is considered part of a broader effort to encourage the growth of Indonesia’s domestic technology industry while increasing the use of local components (TKDN). The initiative also reflects efforts to strengthen the national technology ecosystem, not only through infrastructure development but also through supporting technological products.
Through the operation of the N5 Satellite, PSN hopes Indonesia will not only become a consumer of space technology. At the same time, the company aims to strengthen national capabilities so Indonesia can play a larger role in the regional space industry.
Conclusion
PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara aims to strengthen Indonesia’s digital connectivity and space independence through the operation of the N5 Satellite. By expanding internet access to underserved regions and supporting the domestic technology ecosystem, the project is expected to help Indonesia play a greater role in the regional space and digital industry.
Read more: Satelit Nusantara Lima Starts Commercial Operations, Extending Services to Remote Areas and Two Neighboring Countries