Indonesia’s First Spaceport Plan in Biak Island: A View from International Relations

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18196/jhi.v12i2.18563

Keywords:

Southeast Asia, Biak, Spaceport, Indonesia, Papua, International Relations

Abstract

This study critically examined Indonesia’s first spaceport plan in Biak Island against the Indonesian Government’s underlying objective of bolstering the country’s position to become the regional power in Southeast Asia. By using three analytical frameworks proposed by Destradi (empire, hegemony, and leadership), this study claimed that the building of the Biak spaceport could represent the extension of Indonesia’s political control and domination in Southeast Asia. If built, the spaceport would also be the beginning of an empire in spaceport use. By forging international partnerships with those interested in spaceport services in Southeast Asia and outside the region, Indonesia could gain soft power and be seen as a benevolent hegemony. Indonesia has previously demonstrated a proven track record of success in the launch of the PALAPA satellite, which became the first instrument employed by all ASEAN countries in 1976. Thus, constructing the Biak spaceport could possibly revive Indonesia’s leadership in Southeast Asia.

Author Biographies

Johni R.V. Korwa, Cenderawasih University

Johni R.V. Korwa is a lecturer in International Relations at Cenderawasih University in Papua, Indonesia. He holds a Master degree of Arts (International Relations) from Flinders University, Australia in 2016. His research interests focus on Asia-Pacific studies, transnational issues, and the rise of China. He has produced several writings in the form of academic journals, among them are: ASEAN Connectivity 2025: Shall Australia Become the Future Member of ASEAN? (2019); Kebangkitan China melalui Belt and Road Initiative dan (Re) konstruksi Hubungan Internasional dalam Sistem Westphalia (2019); The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA): Its Implications for Australia-United States Relations (2020); Peri‐urbanisation in Papua: A participatory and geospatial impact assessment of peri‐urban development and transmigration in Port Numbay (2021). Johni’s contact email is johnikorwa@gmail.com

Melpayanty Sinaga, Cenderawasih University

Melpayanty Sinaga is a lecturer in International Relations at Cenderawasih University in Papua, Indonesia. She earned her Master’s degree from the Department of International Relations, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia in 2014. Her research focus on South Pacific studies, peace and security studies, and diplomacy. Among her recent publications are The Role of the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea Border in Preventing the Spread of Covid-19 (2021) and Kejahatan Transnasional Melalui Perdagangan Barter Narkoba Di Kawasan Perbatasan RI – Papua New Guinea (2019). Melpayanty’s contact email is melpayanty@gmail.com

Claudia Conchita Renyoet, Cenderawasih University

Claudia Conchita Renyoet is a lecturer in International Relations at Cenderawasih University in Papua, Indonesia. She earned her Master’s degree from Department of International Relations, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia in 2012. Her research interests focus on diplomacy, European studies and peace studies. One of her recent publications is Peranan Pemerintah Kota Makassar dan Jayapura sebagai Sub-state Actors Dalam Diplomasi (2019). Currently, she is one of the administrators of the Indonesian City Diplomacy Academic Community. Her contact email is claudiaudy14@gmail.com

Apriani Anastasia Amenes, Cenderawasih University

Apriani Anastasia Amenes is a lecturer in International Relations at Cenderawasih University in Papua, Indonesia. She completed her Master’s degree in the Gender Studies at the University of Indonesia in 2021. Her research interests include the study of international relations, gender, politic, humanitarian, and social issues. She has also got involved in the project developing a design program for empowering Papuan women economic actors, a collaboration between the working group of women and children of the Papuan Customary Council (DAP) and Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection in Sanggeng Market, Manokwari West Papua, Indonesia (2017). One of her publications is Assessing Condom Use in Tangga Seribu, Jayapura, Papua (2016). Apriani’s contact email is apriani.anastasia@gmail.com

Danial Darwis, Cenderawasih University

Danial Darwis is a lecturer in International Relations at Cenderawasih University in Papua, Indonesia. He obtains a Master of Arts (M.A) degree from Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia in 2015. His research interests focus on political science, international politics, foreign policy and middle eastern studies. Some of the articles he has written include, Analysis of the Decline in Indonesian Coal Exports to China during the Covid-19 Pandemic between 2019 and 2020 (2023); Kebangkrutan Ekonomi Yunani Tahun 2015 dan Tantangan Moneter Internasional yang Berkeadilan (2016); Politik Luar negeri Indonesia dalam Keketuaan IORA 2015 – 2017 demi Mendorong Kerjasama Komprehensif Maritim di Bidang Keamanan dan Keselamatan Maritim (2016). Danial’s contact email is danial.darwis@gmail.com

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Published

2023-12-09

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