JAKARTA. PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (TLKM) has invested IDR 3.5 trillion through one of its subsidiaries, PT Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat), to develop Satelit Merah Putih 2 launched last Wednesday (21/2).

Said satellite is the 11th satellite, as well as the first satellite of Telkom Group that utilises High Throughput Satellite (HTS) technology, also known as broadband satellite. “The satellite was launched with Falcon 9 rocket, and will fill the orbital slot of 113degree East Longitude,” said Dewi Simatupang, POH VP Investor Relations of TLKM, in the official statement.

Meanwhile, Lukman Hakim, President Director of TLKM, mentioned that the satellite, which had been developed since late 2021, will be utilised as backhaul. As of now, there have been many operators signing up to be the user of this satellite.

“In time, we will announce the media regarding the ones willing to form a contract with us in the near future,” said Hakim in the press conference yesterday.

Satelit Merah Putih 2 is estimated to start operating in April 2024. This satellite is expected to lower Indonesia’s dependency in foreign satellites.

According to IDNFinancials data, Telkomsat is an entity under TLKM that has been operating since 1996. The entire shares of Telkomsat are directly controlled by TLKM. Telkomsat’s total assets before elimination was recorded at IDR 7.45 trillion as of September 30, 2023. (KR/ZH)