PSN Taps boeing, SpaceX for Nusantara Lima Satellite to Boost Indonesian Connectivity
jakarta, Indonesia – Palapa Satelit Nusantara (PSN) has selected Boeing to supply the advanced processor technology and SpaceX for the launch of its Nusantara Lima (SNL) satellite, a project aimed at significantly expanding internet access across Indonesia and the wider region. The satellite, boasting a total capacity of 160Gbps, prioritizes improved connectivity for Eastern Indonesia, a region with historically limited access.
According to PSN CEO Adi Rahman Adiwoso, Boeing was chosen due to its advanced capabilities in satellite technology. “Boeing has a pretty good capacity, quite advanced. The processor used for this SNL is the 4th or 5th generation, far more advanced than Satria-1,” Adi stated, emphasizing the companyS commitment to utilizing the latest technology to avoid falling behind in the rapidly evolving space sector.
SpaceX was selected for its proven reliability and competitive pricing. “This is the third time we use SpaceX. They are very competitive and reliable. If you look at the cost of launch insurance, the low insurance costs indicate their level of reliability,” Adi explained.
The Nusantara Lima satellite will allocate approximately 140Gbps of its capacity to Indonesia, with around 80Gbps dedicated to Eastern Indonesia – a substantial increase compared to the Satria-1 satellite’s focus on Western Indonesia. The remaining capacity will be distributed to the Philippines (14Gbps) and Malaysia (8Gbps).
PSN asserts the satellite’s capacity costs will be “the cheapest in the world,” and aims to support critical sectors like banking, education, and business. Adi Rahman Adiwoso also highlighted the strategic importance of SNL as an Indonesian-owned satellite, offering national resilience.”In an emergency, the government can nationalize this satellite…We are a big country, must have their own durability,” he said, contrasting SNL with reliance on foreign services like Starlink or Kuiper.
PSN anticipates the Nusantara Lima satellite will deliver more affordable connectivity, notably to remote areas of Indonesia. The launch is currently underway, with Adi expressing optimism for a prosperous deployment.
Laos, a country of only 8 million, has been hit with a 40 per cent tariff by the US. Photo: AFP”>WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States has implemented a series of tariffs on imports from several Southeast Asian countries, citing concerns over their continued trade with Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. The measures, announced this week, target goods originating from Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand, with tariff rates varying considerably between nations.
Laos and Myanmar are facing the most substantial penalties, with tariffs set at 40 percent on their exports to the US. This impacts a range of products, potentially hindering economic growth in the two nations, which have populations of approximately 7.5 million and 54.8 million respectively. The US Department of Commerce estimates that Laos’s total exports to the US in 2023 were valued at $288 million,while Myanmar’s were $344 million.
Cambodia and Thailand initially faced tariffs of 49 percent and 35 percent, respectively.However, following peace talks hosted by Malaysia in February 2024 aimed at resolving conflict within those countries, the US significantly reduced their tariffs to 19 percent. The talks, held in Kuala Lumpur, involved representatives from both nations and were facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The reduction in tariffs is contingent on the continued adherence to the ceasefire agreement reached during the negotiations.
The US State Department has stated that the tariffs are intended to “restrict Russia’s access to goods and technologies that could support its military capabilities” by disrupting the supply chains that flow through these Southeast Asian countries. The move is part of a broader strategy by the US and its allies to exert economic pressure on Russia and compel a withdrawal from Ukraine. The tariffs are authorized under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows the President to impose trade restrictions based on national security concerns.
Context: Southeast Asia’s Trade Dynamics
Southeast Asian nations have historically maintained complex trade relationships with both the West and Russia.While many countries have expressed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, maintaining economic ties with Russia presents a delicate balancing act. These nations frequently enough serve as transit points for goods, making it tough to fully isolate Russia from the global economy. The US tariffs are a direct attempt to address this challenge, but they also risk disrupting established trade routes and impacting the economies of the targeted countries.
The long-term effects of these tariffs remain to be seen. Analysts predict that Laos and Myanmar will be especially vulnerable, potentially leading to increased economic hardship and political instability. Cambodia and Thailand, with their reduced tariffs, might potentially be better positioned to mitigate the impact, but they will still face challenges in adapting to the new trade landscape. The situation underscores the growing geopolitical tensions and the increasing use of economic tools as instruments of foreign policy.
Indonesia Accused of US Aircraft Coercion
Lawmaker claims Boeing deal tied to tariff reduction
A senior Indonesian lawmaker has accused the United States of pressuring the nation into purchasing 50 Boeing aircraft, alleging this was a condition for a significant tariff reduction.
Allegations of Forced Purchase
Rieke Diah Pitaloka, a member of Commission VI of the DPR, stated that the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, mandated the acquisition of Boeing planes. This demand, she claims, was linked to a reciprocal tariff cut from 32 percent to 19 percent.
“Other nations refuse to buy Boeing aircraft, but America must force it because Boeing is one of the American economic symbols,” Rieke remarked during a meeting. “When it doesn’t sell, this is also a matter of its economic symbol.”
Concerns Over Aircraft Viability
Rieke expressed skepticism regarding the marketability of Boeing aircraft, noting that other countries are reportedly avoiding them. She suggested that the recent tariff agreement could still be subject to renegotiation.
The PDI-P politician also referenced past financial difficulties experienced by Garuda Indonesia, the national airline, which she linked to previous aircraft procurements. These issues, she indicated, involved corruption cases and problematic aircraft models.
“In fact, we know yesterday in our discussion that the purchase of Boeing and Bombardier by BUMN named Garuda caused financial problems until now,” Rieke stated. “Buying 737 Max was grounded and 787 Dreamliners were also problematic. Which Boeing should be bought?”
—Rieke Diah Pitaloka, Commission VI Member, DPR
In 2023, Garuda Indonesia faced significant financial challenges, posting a net loss. However, the airline has been implementing a fleet optimization strategy. According to an industry report, the global aviation market is projected to see a steady recovery, with passenger traffic expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by 2024 (IATA, October 2023).
Official Response and Airline Plans
State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Minister Erick Thohir acknowledged the input from Parliament but did not directly address the specifics of the 50-aircraft purchase. He assured that all parliamentary suggestions would be followed up.
“Of course, we will follow up on the input and some of the solutions given,” Erick commented after the meeting, emphasizing the ministry’s role in protecting the economy while fostering value creation.
Separately, Garuda Indonesia President Director Wamildan Tsani confirmed that the plan for the 50 Boeing aircraft had received approval from the SOE Minister, President Prabowo Subianto, and the General Meeting of Shareholders. He stressed that the acquisition aligns with the airline’s health and business transformation strategy.
“The plan to purchase the aircraft is one of the long-term strategic steps in the company’s health efforts through business transformation by strengthening the fleet and optimization of the aviation network in the next 5 years,” Wamildan explained in a filing to the Indonesia Stock Exchange.
The timeline and specific phases of the purchase are still under discussion with Boeing, taking into account the manufacturer’s readiness to supply the required aircraft types.
The provided text is a news report about the crash of an Air India flight on June 12th, which resulted in 260 fatalities. The report, citing The Wall Street Journal, suggests that voice recordings from the cockpit indicate the captain may have intentionally cut off the aircraft’s fuel supply shortly after takeoff.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
The Incident: An Air India plane crashed on June 12th, killing 260 people.
Key Finding: Voice recordings from the cockpit suggest the captain may have turned the fuel supply to the engines to the “off” position.
Cockpit Conversation: The deputy pilot, who was flying at the time, reportedly questioned the captain about this action.
Pilots Involved: captain Sumeet Sabharwal (15,638 flight hours) and Deputy Pilot clive Kunder (3,403 flight hours).
Aircraft Type: Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Preliminary Examination: The Indian Aviation Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) previously reported that the fuel switch moved from “operation” to “off” within one second after takeoff, but did not explain how.
Consequences: The loss of fuel supply caused the aircraft to lose thrust and begin to fall. A backup energy unit was activated, indicating engine power loss.
crash Site Findings: Both fuel switches were found in the “operating” position, with evidence suggesting attempts to reignite the engines before the low-altitude crash.
* Official Response: Air India, Boeing, and aviation authorities did not instantly comment.
The report highlights a perhaps purposeful act by the captain as a cause for the catastrophic crash.
Air India CEO Addresses speculation Amidst Ongoing Examination
Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, has issued a memo to staff addressing the ongoing cycle of theories and allegations surrounding a recent incident, stating that many have been disproven. The memo comes as the Airline Pilots’ Association of India expresses dissatisfaction with the preliminary report, which they believe unfairly focuses on a single, perhaps misleading statement regarding fuel supply.The preliminary report, which has drawn criticism from the Airline Pilots’ Association of India, is reportedly focusing on a cockpit voice recording related to fuel supply. Sam Thomas,president of the association,told the Press Trust of India that the report contains “elementary mistakes” and is prematurely directing blame towards the pilots before the inquiry is concluded.
In unrelated news, auditors from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are currently conducting a complete safety audit of New Zealand’s aviation system. This audit, announced in February, involves detailed interviews with various aviation and transport organizations, including the CAA, Ministry of Transport, and the Transport Accident Investigation Commission.The last full safety audit of New Zealand’s aviation system by ICAO took place in 2006.