TEMPO.CO, Jakarta-The National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) plans to build a national observatory in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, next year.

"The plan is in 2016, when all licensing is completed," said Head of LAPAN Thomas DJamaludin after signing an agreement with partners on Wednesday, October 7, in Jakarta.

Thomas explained that the local government has given permission for construction of the observatory and LAPAN is waiting for principle permit from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

“It will [be built on] protected forest area, but not many trees will be cut down. The development plans to plant trees around the observatory," he said.

LAPAN plans to build the national observatory in Kupang because the Bosscha observatory in Lembang, West Java, is no longer ideal because of the population growth in the vicinity.

Based on a joint survey with the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), LAPAN choose Kupang because of the longest day light in Indonesia and located relatively far from settlement so that light pollution is minimal.

Observatory will be built on Mount Timau, Fatumonas Village, Central Amfoang District, Kupang. Its construction is estimated to cost 300 billion from the State Budget.

The national observatory is targeted for completion in 2019. LAPAN will operate the observatory and develop it as a science center, open to the public.

While the Bosscha observatory will remain operating as research and education observatory.

ANTARA