Palapa Sistim Komunikasi Satelit Domestik Indonesia [Palapa Indonesia Domestic Satellite Communication System]

Commemorating Indonesia’s first satellite.

In 1975, Indonesian president/military dictator Suharto contracted with Hughes Company’s Space and Communications Group to create the nation’s first satellite network, Palapa (a name signifying national unity). It was completed in record-breaking time, with operations beginning after the first successful payload launch the following year.

This striking celebration of Indonesian culture and technological achievement was illustrated by Carlos Gomez in 1975 (signed, lower right). The Palapa-I satellite sits proudly front and center. A map of the archipelago, upper left, pinpoints the various ground facilities operated by PERMUTEL, a national communications company. Other scenes depict Merdeka Square, simple farmers and fishermen, temples to both science and religion.