Program of balloon launchings in Indonesia in the 1980s

The stratospheric balloon program in Indonesia was initiated in the year 1974, by sending a team to CNES, France, to undergo a job training. The first balloon launching conducted in the year 1975 and since then other launchings have been carried out regularly. The launchings were done on the island of Bali and East Java, because these areas are ideal of that purpose as the upperwind over these areas almost constantly blows easterly.The program of balloon launchings in the 1980's will be improved by the construction of a permanent launching station situated in Mojokerto, East Java, and the addition of Rawin sonde RD 650 CS equipment, Balte Telecommand with 10 addresses and recovery equipment. The volume of balloons will be larger i.e. up to 13.000 m³, enabling to carry heavier payload for longer flight time duration. Also a tethered balloon will be operated for experimentation of TV relay station and communication, especially remote areas.