Last Updated: 11 months ago
"Palapa" is a name derived from the "Sumpah Palapa" (Palapa Oath) formulated by Patih Gajah Mada of Majapahit in the year 1334. Originating from this history, Palapa is currently used as the name for several geostationary telecommunication satellites in Indonesia. Satellite Palapa was conceived due to the idea of Indonesia's 2nd President, H.M. Soeharto, who was contemplating how to establish communication throughout the vast and geographically distant archipelago from Sabang to Merauke. This idea is based on the book "Soeharto Pikiran, Ucapan dan Tindakan Saya" (1989) by G. Dwipayana and Ramadhan K.H., stating that Indonesia needed a domestic satellite communication system to facilitate communication with all regions of Indonesia, which is made up of islands. The name "Palapa" emerged when Soeharto recalled the history of Gajah Mada, Patih Amengkubumi of the Majapahit Kingdom, who issued the "Amukti Palapa" (Palapa Oath) to unify all kingdoms across the archipelago in 1336 AD. "That's why our domestic satellite system is named Palapa as a symbol of the fulfillment of Gajah Mada's oath to unite the archipelago," said Soeharto in the book. The speed of communication was essential to accelerate Indonesia's development after the era of the old order, as without fast communication, Indonesia's dream of advancing alongside other nations would pose a significant challenge. To realize this idea, Soeharto assigned Major General TNI Soehardjono (Director General of Post and Telecommunications) and Ir. Sutanggar Tengker Yahya (Director of Telecommunications at the Directorate General of Post and Telecommunications and former CEO of PN Telekomunikasi Indonesia) as responsible for implementing the idea. Indonesia faced two significant challenges to realize the Palapa satellite: first, not possessing satellite technology but understanding its functions and purposes. Second, financing, as satellites were expensive for Indonesia, which was still a developing country at the time. The first Indonesian satellite, Palapa A, was known to have specifications similar to domestic satellites used by Canada and the United States, as it was manufactured by the same company, Hughes Aircraft Company, with the HS-333 model. Palapa A had 12 transponders with a capacity equivalent to 6,000 voice circuits or 12 color television channels. It had an active lifespan of up to 7 years, with a satellite height of 3.41 meters, diameter of 1.9 meters, and launch weight of 574 kg. The first satellite was launched on July 8, 1976, by a US rocket and placed above the Indian Ocean at 83°E. Satellite Palapa A was controlled and operated entirely by PERUMTEL (now TELKOM), with its coverage area encompassing Indonesia and Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The transponders of Satellite Palapa were allocated for communication systems used by PERUMTEL, TVRI broadcasts, and also the Ministry of Defense and Security. ASEAN countries also utilized the transponders of Palapa A, namely the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia. With the launch of this satellite, Indonesia became the first country in Asia and the third in the world to operate a Domestic Satellite Communication System (DSCS) using a GEO Satellite, following the United States and Canada. Palapa A1 became Indonesia's first DSCS to provide intercity telephone and facsimile services in Indonesia. Moreover, DSCS developed into a primary infrastructure for distributing national television programs. Palapa A1 marked a historical milestone for satellites in Indonesia, followed by subsequent satellites such as Telkom, Cakrawarta, Indostar, Garuda, and PSN. In Indonesia, at least five national satellite operators manage their satellites, including TELKOM, INDOSAT, PSN, MNC, and BRI. The launch of Indonesia's inaugural Palapa satellite marked a milestone in the advancement of communication and information technology in Indonesia. As a result, every 9th of July is commemorated as Palapa Satellite Day. There are nine types of Palapa satellites in Indonesia. Starting from the establishment of Palapa Satellite Day, which was the first satellite in Indonesia, there are now nine types of satellites in Indonesia. With the advancement of technology, Palapa satellites underwent regeneration and development. Here's the list: Palapa A-1 Satellite (1976-1983) Palapa A-2 Satellite (1977-1987) Palapa B-1 Satellite (1983-1990) Palapa B-2 Satellite (1984-failed) Palapa B2P Satellite (1987-1996) Palapa B2R Satellite (1990-2000) Palapa B4 Satellite (1992-2005) Palapa C1 Satellite (1996-1999) and Palapa C2 Satellite (1996-2011) Palapa D Satellite (2009-2024) Source: https://unida.ac.id/artikel/sejarah-dan-pentingnya-satelit-palapa (UNIDA Public Relations)