Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (AntaraNews NTT) - LAPAN (National Institute of Aeronautics and Space) will build an observatory believed to be the largest in Southeast Asia, in Timau mountainous area, Central Amfoang sub-district, Kupang District, East Nusa Tenggara Province.
The constructions of the observatory would begin on Monday (July 9), Jasyanto, spokesman of LAPAN, said in a statement on Saturday (7/7).
"Indonesia is entering a new chapter in aeronautics to be marked by construction of the largest national observatory facility in Southeast Asia, to be located in Timau mountainous area," he said.
Baca juga: President to officiate groundbreaking of Observatory facility
Research, Technology and Higher Education Minister Prof Mohamad Nasir is scheduled to officially designate Timau as a national observatory site and as a national dark sky park, as well as to officially name the facility as Timau Observatory.
LAPAN will build the observatory with the cooperation of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the University of Nusa Cendana (Undana) in Kupang, and the Kupang district administration.
The observatory will be equipped with a telescope having a diameter of 3.8 meters, which is a very modern aeronautic facility for eastern Indonesia. Kupang is also expected to have a science center.
East Nusa Tenggara to have largest observatory in Asia
Observatorium in Lembang, West Java
LAPAN (National Institute of Aeronautics and Space) will build an observatory believed to be the largest in Southeast Asia, in Timau mountainous area, Central Amfoang sub-district, Kupang District, East Nusa Tenggara Province.
