Synopsis
The paper begins by highlighting the success of New Zealand and Singapore in developing their domestic space industries, despite limited national space capabilities. It notes that both countries have adopted a bottom-up approach, led by private actors, to space development. Indonesia, on the other hand, has yet to experience significant growth in its space industry. The paper aims to compare how these three countries have approached space industry enhancement from a legal and policy perspective.
Role of Private Actors in National Space Activities
The paper discusses the shift from government-dominated space activities to increased private sector involvement. It highlights that private actors, driven by productivity and profit, are innovating in areas like technology and marketing, often more efficiently than traditional state actors. Examples include the development of reusable launch vehicle technology and space tourism.
Space Law and Policy: New Zealand, Singapore, and Indonesia
- New Zealand: It has a robust space industry with laws and policies fostering innovation and supporting private sector involvement. The Outer Space and High-altitude Activities Act (OSHAA) and the New Zealand Space Agency (NZSA) play pivotal roles in this regard.
- Singapore: Despite lacking formal space governance structures, Singapore has managed to develop a thriving space industry, focusing mainly on small satellite development. The country utilizes a practical approach and effective coordination between government, academia, and the private sector.
- Indonesia: Indonesia’s Space Act of 2013 and its Master Plan on Space Activities 2016-2040 provide a framework for space activities. However, the implementation strategy has been inadequate, and the space industry has not seen significant development.
Comparisons and Lessons
The paper identifies commonalities and differences among the three countries. All three have legal and policy frameworks supporting the space industry, but their focus and scope vary. The paper notes the importance of government support in fostering private sector growth in the space industry.
Conclusions and Recommendations for Indonesia
The paper concludes that Indonesia’s approach to space activities has been traditional and less proactive compared to New Zealand and Singapore. It recommends that Indonesia adopt a more active role in supporting its space industry, including establishing better coordination between its space agency and other governmental agencies, focusing on specific development areas, and providing networking platforms for its national space industry.