Astronomy as a Fundamental Field in Science Development in Indonesia: Reality and Challenges

Indonesia actually has remarkable scientific potential. Our ancestors even possessed not only imagination, but also sense, initiative, and extraordinary work so that they were able to leave behind world-class buildings such as the Borobudur Temple which also has astronomical value. However, in reality, the development of science in Indonesia has not been massive. This year, Indonesia has an extraordinary momentum to revive the reputation of Indonesian science in the eyes of the world through the one-centenary anniversary of the Bosscha observatory and the phenomenon of a hybrid solar eclipse that will occur on April 20, 2023. In Indonesia, the astronomy community has a significant role in helping the government’s efforts to popularize science, especially astronomy with its public outreach activities that are right on target, entertaining, inclusive, and more flexible. In this conference, I will present how the reality of the development of science, especially astronomy, complete with its obstacles in Indonesia as a developing country, and what is the role of the astronomy community in overcoming these challenges in order to cultivate the children of Indonesia so that in the future they can take on the role of prospering and advancing inhabitants of the earth along with other nations.