TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-The government will build an observatory in Gunung Timau, Kupang District, East Nusa Tenggara, to replace the 90-year-old Bosscha Observatory in Lembang, West Java.
The observatory in Gunung Timau will be the biggest in Indonesia, said the Head of Public Relations, Kupang administration, Stefanus Baha in Oelamasi, the capital of Kupang District, Tuesday, June 28, 2016.
The National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (Lapan) said that Gunung Timau, Central Amfoang Sub-district, is very strategic to become the location of observations for aeronautical activities, whereas Lembang is no longer adequate since it is located in a densely populated area.
Lapan Chairman Prof. Dr. Thomas Damaluddin on May 21, 2016, had personally inspect Gunung Timau and disseminate the planned observatory construction to local residents of Central Amfoang Sub-district.
The observatory will begin construction in 2017, requiring trillions of rupiah, and expected to complete by 2019.
The observatory will be used for 100 years to support scientific activities and technology in relation to solar system research.
ANTARA