CLS, a subsidiary of the French Space Agency (CNES) and investment firm CNP, and a global leader in Earth observation and environmental monitoring services, has announced the signing of a major €93 million agreement with Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). This agreement marks the start of Phase Two of Indonesia’s next-generation Marine Meteorology System (MMS). With over 17,000 islands and maritime zones covering nearly 70% of its territory, Indonesia is deeply connected to the sea. This ambitious project aims to strengthen the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of maritime operations across the archipelago.
As part of the MMS project, CLS and its partners will equip Indonesia with over 200 advanced observation instruments, high-performance computing capabilities, and AI-powered modeling to deliver accurate weather and ocean forecasts, along with real-time sea monitoring.
This cutting-edge system is key to supporting Indonesia’s bold vision to:
- Establish itself as a Global Maritime Axis by improving connectivity, strengthening the blue economy, and boosting tourism
- Enhance national food security
The advanced meteorological services enabled by the MMS project will empower Indonesia to anticipate hazardous weather and ocean conditions and to plan maritime operations with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency—ultimately benefiting millions of citizens who rely on the sea for their daily lives.
Backed by CLS’ expertise, the MMS project is built on a robust in-situ observation network that includes drifting buoys, profilers, weather stations, coastal radars, and more. These data collection tools are integrated with high-performance computing infrastructure, delivering up to 2 petaflops of processing power and 6 petabytes of storage—forming a comprehensive system for weather and ocean forecasting.
Leveraging probabilistic modeling and deep learning, MMS provides advanced services such as early warning alerts for coastal flooding. The result: safer and more efficient use of Indonesia’s maritime domain for all stakeholders—from fishermen and maritime businesses to port authorities and coastal communities.
Sophie Besnard, Director of International Development at CLS:
“This project reflects the level of excellence CLS has achieved in deploying marine instruments, collecting data, delivering forecasts, and integrating AI into its operations. By working closely with BMKG and benefiting from the support of the French government, CLS is committed to advancing marine meteorology and supporting Indonesia’s leadership in ocean forecasting and climate action.
Launched in 2020, the first phase of the project will culminate in 2028. Spanning nearly a decade, this large-scale initiative embodies a strong strategic vision for Indonesia’s maritime future. We are honored by the trust placed in us by Indonesia, and particularly by BMKG.”
Mrs. Dwikorita Karnawati, Director General of BMKG:
“MMS represents a major step forward for Indonesia. This integrated system will enable us to deliver accurate and timely marine weather information, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of our maritime activities.
Our bilateral cooperation with France, along with the support provided by CLS and its partners, plays a vital role in the deployment of our future forecasting system. This is an ambitious project—but a crucial one for the safety of our citizens and the development of our maritime economy.”
His Excellency Fabien Penone, Ambassador of France to Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and ASEAN:
“This partnership exemplifies the strength of Franco-Indonesian cooperation in the field of advanced technologies. France and Indonesia are working hand in hand on concrete and innovative projects that support sustainable development and maritime security.”
For nearly 40 years, CLS has been committed to building a safer, more sustainable, and more equitable future through cutting-edge solutions in Earth observation, ocean management, and environmental modeling. Active in Indonesia since 2003, CLS is a long-standing partner of the country and a true embodiment of the “Tech for Impact” approach.
CLS has notably equipped Indonesia’s entire fishing fleet with satellite tracking beacons, recently obtained certification to equip traditional fishing vessels (over 2,000 boats to be fitted), and provides the Indonesian government with its national fisheries monitoring center.
As a recognized expert in both space-based and in-situ oceanography, CLS combines a strong local presence and a deep understanding of territorial challenges with technological excellence. This enables the company to support Indonesia’s transition toward a sustainable blue economy.
This new contract fully embodies CLS’s ambition: to support major maritime nations in asserting sovereign control over their marine spaces—through science, innovation, and long-term international cooperation.
Cyrille BELLIER, Head of Asia, Europe and Middle East, AFD (Agence Française de Developpement), Paris
“This project is fully aligned with AFD’s mission to support partner countries in their transition toward resilient and sustainable development models. In Indonesia—an archipelago particularly vulnerable to climate and maritime risks—strengthening national capacities in weather forecasting and ocean monitoring is a key lever for security, climate adaptation, and economic development.
By supporting this initiative led by BMKG and implemented by CLS and its partners, AFD is taking concrete action to promote the sustainable management of marine resources, improve the safety of coastal populations, and foster the development of local value chains tied to the blue economy. It stands as a powerful example of public-private cooperation in service of a fairer and more resilient future.”
The Directorate General of the French Treasury (DG Trésor), Ministry for the Economy and Finance:
“The support provided by the French Treasury Directorate General (DG Trésor) for this strategic project is fully aligned with France’s commitment to sustainable development and the strengthening of partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
By contributing to the enhancement of Indonesia’s meteorological observation and forecasting capabilities through the expertise of French companies, France reaffirms its dedication to fostering a resilient and inclusive blue growth. This project is a concrete example of how France’s economic diplomacy tools can be leveraged to promote balanced, high-value collaborations, drawing on cutting-edge industrial know-how, innovative financing mechanisms, and robust public-private partnerships.”
The partners working alongside CLS on the MMS project:
