REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Data on the military communications satellite, which is planned to be sent into space in 2019, must remain confidential, according to Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu.

"Unlike data on other satellites that can be used in the interest of the public or companies, the information on the military satellite everywhere is kept confidential," the defense minister stated on Friday.

Earlier, the Indonesian House of Representatives' Commission I on defense, intelligence, and foreign affairs had approved a request by the Military to acquire a communications satellite that will be launched in 2019.

The House has approved a request for funding from the country's defense ministry and the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) to acquire a satellite from Airbus Defense and Space for US$849.3 million.

The plans to acquire the satellite were approved on June 27, according to a transcript of the proceedings between Komisi I, Indonesian Ministry of Defense, and TNI provided to IHS Jane's on the next day.

If the Indonesian military communications satellite becomes operational, then all military communications will be carried out using the satellite.

IHS Janes, on its official website on Thursday, said the satellite will be used for military communications using the L-Band frequency and is targeted for launch in 2019.

The satellite is expected to be developed with inputs from the military and various Indonesian institutions, but Airbus Defense and Space will be entirely responsible for its launch.

Following the launch, the satellite is expected to occupy the orbital slot of 123 degrees east longitude.

The orbital slot, which has been allocated to Indonesia by the International Telecommunications Union, was earlier used by the Garuda-1 satellite belonging to Asia Cellular Satellite. However, it has since then been taken out of orbit due to various malfunctions.

The satellite's acquisition costs are expected to be disbursed by the Indonesian government over a five-year period leading up to 2019.

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