Government Regulation Number 22 of 2026 Regulates the Administration of Spaceports, Including Sanctions and Insurance Obligations

Introduction

On 12 May 2026, President Prabowo Subianto enacted Government Regulation Number 22 of 2026 on the Administration of Spaceports (“GR 22/2026”), which took effect on the same date. This regulation governs all technical and administrative aspects relating to the development, operation, provision of incentives, and accountability mechanisms for the administration of spaceports within the territory of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

GR 22/2026 implements various provisions mandated under Law Number 21 of 2013 on Space Activities. GR 22/2026 highlights the urgency arising from the significant national strategic value of spaceport development, including its role in strengthening the economic, defense, and national security dimensions. Furthermore, the Government seeks to maximize the potential of Indonesia’s highly strategic geographical location to attract global commercial opportunities while providing legal protection and mitigating the risks inherent in the operation of space launch technologies.

 

Key Provisions

Development and Zoning of Spaceports

Pursuant to Article 3 and Article 5, the Agency is authorized to develop spaceports within the territory of Indonesia, and may engage private-sector entities established as Indonesian Legal Entities in the development process. Such Spaceports are intended for Launch activities conducted for testing, demonstration, and operational purposes. To ensure operational safety, Article 10 divides the spaceport area into three hazard zones. Article 11 prohibits any person from entering Hazard Zone One during launch operations. A similar prohibition applies to Hazard Zone Two, except for Launch Safety Personnel, as this area accommodates core facilities. Meanwhile, Hazard Zone Three requires all persons to obtain prior entry authorization from the Spaceport Operator.

Private Sector Participation and Licensing Obligations

Pursuant to Article 33 paragraphs (2) and (3), the Agency may involve Spaceport Operators, Launch Vehicle Operators (which must be established as Indonesian Legal Entities), and Launch Safety Personnel. However, Article 33 paragraph (4) stipulates that each Spaceport Operator must obtain an official license issued by the Agency before operating such facilities. Meanwhile, Launch Vehicle Operators must possess a license issued by the competent authority of the country manufacturing the Launch Vehicle. If the country manufacturing the Launch Vehicle is Indonesia, the license shall be issued by the Agency.

Obligations of Operators During Launch Activities

In conducting the launch of space vehicles, Article 25 paragraph (1) requires every Space Activities Operator to fulfill a series of essential prerequisites to ensure public safety. Such obligations require operators to:

1. Fulfill financial requirements and maintain insurance coverage for space vehicles;
2. Assess and mitigate potential accidents, public health disturbances, or material losses;
3. Ensure that space vehicles do not carry nuclear weapons, weapons of mass destruction, or other dangerous weapons;
4. Ensure that launch activities do not interfere with national security or violate international obligations; and
5. Comply with technical aviation safety standards.

Administrative Sanctions for Violations of Launch Requirements

Article 26 provides that the Head of the Agency shall impose administrative sanctions in the form of a written warning with a maximum duration of one month upon any Space Activities Operator that neglects its insurance-related financial obligations or fails to mitigate potential launch hazards. If the operator does not rectify such deficiencies within a maximum period of two months from the issuance of the written warning, the Head of the Agency is authorized to temporarily suspend all launch activities. Ultimately, the Head of the Agency may permanently revoke the license if the operator continues to disregard its obligations within a maximum period of three months from the imposition of the temporary suspension sanction.

Sanctions for Violations Affecting National Security

Article 27 imposes significantly stricter sanctions on Space Activities Operators that violate the prohibition against carrying weapons of mass destruction or engaging in activities that threaten national security and foreign policy. The Head of the Agency is authorized to temporarily suspend all launch activities immediately upon detection of the violation and may revoke the operator’s license if the operator fails to comply with its obligations within a period of no more than one day.

Sanctions for Non-Compliance with Safety Personnel Directives

Article 47 establishes reciprocal compliance obligations. Launch Safety Personnel are required to comply with the Safety and Security standards established by the Spaceport Operator, while the Spaceport Operator, together with its agents and employees, is required to comply with all technical instructions provided by Launch Safety Personnel. In the event of a violation of these compliance obligations, Article 48 mandates the Head of the Agency to impose a series of administrative sanctions, beginning with a written warning (for a maximum period of one month), followed by the temporary suspension of space vehicle preparation activities (if the warning remains unheeded within two months), and ultimately resulting in license revocation if the operator continues to refuse compliance (within three months from the date of the temporary suspension).

Liability for Losses and Insurance Mandate

Article 55 paragraphs (2) and (3) require Space Activities Operators to compensate for any direct physical losses arising from launch activities or the re-entry of space vehicles to Earth. As a form of preventive financial protection, Article 58 paragraphs (1) and (2) require Space Activities Operators to obtain third-party liability insurance covering losses arising from launch activities. Article 58 paragraph (3) exempts Government Institutions from this insurance obligation, thereby directing the requirement primarily toward private-sector operators.

Provision of Incentives for Businesses

To stimulate the investment climate, Article 60 paragraph (1) authorizes the Central Government and Regional Governments to provide fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to parties participating in the development and operation of spaceports. Article 60 paragraph (4) specifies that such non-fiscal incentives may include rights to use facilities owned by the Agency, technical support from the Government, and facilitated access to partnerships for the provision of supporting infrastructure.

 

Closing

GR 22/2026 establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the administration of spaceports in Indonesia. The regulation seeks to maximize Indonesia’s geographical advantages and strategic national interests in the economic, defense, and security sectors, while also creating opportunities for collaboration with the private sector through the provision of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. Although private-sector participation is permitted in operational activities, the Government applies stringent regulatory controls through a licensing system, the designation of three launch hazard zones, and mandatory compliance with directives issued by safety personnel. In addition, GR 22/2026 provides public protection through an accountability framework requiring non-governmental Space Activities Operators to maintain third-party liability insurance. Violations of launch-related requirements, particularly those involving insurance non-compliance, failure to comply with safety personnel directives, or threats to national security such as carrying weapons of mass destruction, are subject to strict sanctions ranging from written warnings and temporary operational suspensions to permanent license revocation. The regulation is also expected to foster a conducive commercial space environment without compromising public safety and national sovereignty.