Revolutionising Space Weather Forecasting in Indonesia

In the realm of space technology, Indonesia is leaping with the Space Weather Information and Forecast Services (SWIFtS) programme. SWIFtS is a real-time geomagnetic activity monitoring system with immense potential for the digital transformation of space weather forecasting.

This transformation, leveraging technology, is poised to enhance telecommunications, environmental monitoring, scientific research, and more in Indonesia. With the integration of predictive models, such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), SWIFtS aims to automate and optimise the prediction of daily geomagnetic activities, which were previously manually processed.

This research’s pivotal goal is to streamline data entry, facilitate data analysis, improve the efficiency of geomagnetic activity predictions, and ensure continuous data recording, even on holidays. By automating the geomagnetic forecast system, the researchers anticipate a surge in speed, accuracy, and seamless geomagnetic activity predictions. The dedicated team behind this initiative believes that such automation is critical to unlocking the full potential of space weather services and geomagnetic activity predictions, thus advancing digital technology in Indonesia.

The SWIFtS programme aims to fully automate the geomagnetic FRF system, enhancing space weather services and geomagnetic predictions. It involves developing predictive models with LSTM for real-time testing and integration. It marks a step in Indonesia’s digital space weather forecasting.

In line with global research and development standards, this research programme collaborates with internal researchers and esteemed institutions like the University of Lampung and the State Polytechnic of Pontianak. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a holistic perspective, contributing ideas and innovative solutions. The collaboration reflects the spirit of inclusiveness and knowledge exchange that the digital era thrives on.

This research shows ORPA’s commitment to digital innovation as part of its broader vision. Dr Robertus Heru Triharjanto, Head of the Organisation for Research in Aviation and Space (ORPA), highlighted the goal of monitoring and evaluating research programmes to provide essential feedback for research facilitators. This commitment reflects ORPA’s dedication to overcoming challenges and progressing in the digital age.

The monitoring and evaluation programme for space research, conducted quarterly, serves another essential purpose. It bridges the information gap between the macro-level perspective and the real-world implementation of research. Information exchange is vital to ensure that research aligns with practical needs, a fundamental aspect of digital advancement.

To empower researchers and enhance the quality of research, capacity-building initiatives are underway at the Centre for Space Research. These initiatives cover various aspects of space research, from data-driven empirical research to advanced modelling. In this context, the research community benefits from opportunities like the Degree by Research (DBR) programme, which focuses on developing their modelling skills and contributes to a richer pool of knowledge and expertise. This, in turn, propels Indonesia forward in the digital era.

The presentation of 20 research proposals during the monitoring and evaluation programme clearly indicates the thriving research landscape in space-related domains. These proposals encompass ionospheric studies, geomagnetism, solar activities, and astronomy, ranging from theoretical research to practical applications. This diversity underscores the commitment to exploration and innovation in space research.

Dr Robertus Heru Triharjanto also highlighted the importance of external collaborations, encouraging researchers to collaborate with external partners. The research institutions and external partners are crucial for accelerating space technology advancements. For S3-level researchers, the opportunity to co-promote DBR programmes signifies a step in fostering collaborations that strengthen the research community.

In the broader context of digital transformation, Dr Robertus emphasised the need to optimise and create an environment that attracts external partners, including postdoctoral researchers. Such an environment fuels innovation, facilitates information exchange, and drives space research forward.

Dr Emanuel Sungging Mumpuni, Head of the Centre for Space Research, expressed his hope that the routine monitoring and evaluation activities would help measure the achievements and challenges of ongoing research. These activities provide critical insights into the state of research and contribute to ongoing networking efforts, strengthening the impact of research outcomes on Indonesia. These activities’ discussions and feedback are valuable resources to guide continuous and impactful research.