Air Transport

Indonesia has launched a trial of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) in conjunction with Airservices Australia, Sita and Thales. It is evaluating the technology with a view to making a decision on whether to roll out ADS-B nationwide.

Three ADS-B ground stations supplied by Thales have been established at Denpasar in Bali, Kupang in Nusa Tenggara Timur, and Natuna Island in the South China Sea. The ground stations are connected by Sita communication links and surveillance processors to Indonesia's air traffic control centres in Jakarta and Makassar. The Australian air traffic services provider, which is working towards implementing its own nationwide ADS-B programme, is providing project and technical support along with remote monitoring.

ADS-B is seen as a cost-effective surveillance tool for Indonesia, which controls a huge area of airspace, with heavy international and domestic air traffic.