Indonesia's digital connectivity is moving forward. Following the successful launch of the Satria 1 satellite in 2023, a new satellite named Nusantara Lima (N5) has now been launched in the United States in September 2025. In collaboration with the American Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX), this is the fourth launch attempt after Falcon 9 rocket failed to launch the Nusantara Lima Satellite three times due to weather constraints.
The Nusantara Lima Satellite will require approximately 125 days to reach a stationary orbit, so it is projected to begin full operations on April 1, 2026. This marks a significant milestone to achieve equitable national digital connectivity, particularly in the outermost, most disadvantaged, and most remote (3T) regions.
The Specification
More than just a huge machine floating in orbit, Komdigi (12/9) explained that with a capacity of 160 Gbps, using very high throughput satellite (VHTS) technology, occupying a strategic orbital slot at 113 degrees East Longitude or the “golden spot”, it can cover all of Indonesia and strengthen connectivity in the Eastern region. This satellite is also claimed to be able to provide internet access services to the Philippines and Malaysia. This is what makes the N5 claimed to be the largest satellite in Southeast Asia.
N5 is owned by PT. Satelit Nusantara Lima (SNL), a subsidiary of PT. Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), through a global partnership with Boeing Satellite Systems, Hughes Network Systems, and SpaceX.
Read also: Revolutionizing Connectivity: Indonesia Launches First Internet Satellite
Although produced with the support of international partners, the design, management, and utilization of the Nusantara Lima Satellite are entirely for the benefit of Indonesia, thus serving as a tangible demonstration of the work of Indonesians through the PSN Group, a pioneer in the national satellite industry.
To access the Nusantara Lima Satellite, eight ground stations (gateways) strengthen the satellite's control, capacity, and communication channels in Banda Aceh, Bengkulu, Cikarang, Gresik, Banjarmasin, Tarakan, Kupang, and Makassar. The development of the ground station network and the operation of the satellite are also carried out by local talent to strengthen the digital ecosystem and national technological independence.
Little Thing Matters
According to the PSN website, there are many stories about children that have to wait hours for a signal during school learning. Medical personel also having difficulty sending patient data due to unstable connections. The N5 satellite is here to change that perspective, emphasizing that the internet is no longer a luxury thing but a right for every citizen.
The Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, also added that children in Maluku and Papua will have the same access to education just like a children in Jakarta. Patients on small islands can consult with the best doctors, and small business can compete in the digital world. Digital equity is a principle that matters greatly nowadays
Read also: Indonesia to Build Asia's Largest Satellite
The presence of this satellite is a symbol that Indonesia is not only following the global digitalization trend, but is also independent in providing technological infrastructure for all people.
This N5 also proofs that Indonesia is not only a consumer, but also a producer for the best technologies.
References:
Komdigi (2025). Satelit Nusantara 5 Meluncur, Indonesia Memasuki Babak Baru Konektivitas Digital. https://www.komdigi.go.id/berita/siaran-pers/detail/satelit-nusantara-5-meluncur-indonesia-memasuki-babak-baru-konektivitas-digital
PSN (2025). Nusantara Lima: Dari Bumi ke Langit, Demi Indonesia yang Terhubung. https://www.psn.co.id/id/nusantara-lima-dari-bumi-ke-langit-demi-indonesia-yang-terhubung/
Goodstats (2025). Prestasi Besar, Indonesia Sukses Luncurkan Satelit Nusantara Lima. https://goodstats.id/article/prestasi-besar-indonesia-sukses-luncurkan-satelit-nusantara-lima-BYsFj
