On the sidelines of research for sempekan at La Silla Observatory, Chile, 20 to 28 January 2011, Dr. Johny Setiawan taking the time to answer questions petanyaan Kompas.com readers online. Johnny is an astronomer from Indonesia who is now a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, Germany.

Among many questions, some people are curious about the background of the successful Johnny became one of the world's leading astronomers. During his career, Johnny was and still is known as the principal researcher who discovered extrasolar planets or extrasolar. His research is very important for science to uncover the origins of the universe to find a place similar to Earth that may be needed for future human life.

Not a few who question how Facebook could grow in astronomical research in Indonesia and in line with developed countries in the world. Here's a summary of Dr. Johny Setiawan answers to reader questions:

Question: Since when falling in love with astronomy? Then hone his ability how? Join the club whether or follow-up astronomy olympiad science or something?

Answer: Interested in astronomy since the age of 4 years. Falling in love with astronomy since high school. I never joined the club of astronomy and so on. I hone my skills with a lot of reading astronomy books astronomy at my place of study and of course also equipped astronomical observations in La Silla since more than 11 years.

Question: I am interested in astronomy. What should I do to be like Sir John?

Answer: The recipe for success in the field of astronomy with the recipe a success in other fields, that is diligent study, tenacious in seeking opportunities and not easily surrender to circumstances or situations that are limited, including the general public views that are less supportive of astronomy because it was considered there was no material advantage. I hope, will be there who could replace me later in this section and become famous astronomers in the world.

Question: I am a teacher, how to foster students' interest in astronomy?

Answer: Learning from the experience of students here (student-student high school) to foster student interest in astronomy, it is advisable to make some kind of "astro-club", ie working groups astronomy.

Starting with small projects, such as observations of the planets of our solar system, such as Venus, Saturn, Jupiter and Comet. Because of the simple things that's very interesting, even for professional astronomers.

After that, it could go explore the stars, double and multiple star systems, extra-solar planetary systems and galaxies. I believe the simple things that will grow great interest. If interest continues to be fostered, one day there will be experts from Indonesia astrophysical world.

Question: What advice Mr. Johny Setiawan to promote astronomy in Indonesia?

Answer: In order to promote astronomy in Indonesia, the most fundamental is the presence of a great interest in astronomy that accompanied the interest to investigate (not just a passive interest which only just by hearing without scientific study.) Interest is frankly very poor in Indonesia, because it thought most people in Indonesia for science and technology is still very limited. This is what might make the Indonesian left in the field of science and technology. Very unfortunate.

Along with growing interest, facilities and equipment that is the observation of astronomical telescope and observatory is essential for the development of astronomy in Indonesia. Especially the international scale in order to improve cooperation with other developed countries. In the end, Indonesia will pick up forward and perhaps also at the same time improve their standard of living. Keep in mind, it has been proved that the technological progress of a nation directly related to increased prosperity.

Question: What requirements must have the space agencies of Indonesia to be able to rival the greatness of space agencies of the U.S.?

Answer: The rule would have the facilities that support and human resources in Indonesia are either in the field. For this, it is unfortunate that the Government of Indonesia lazy. Even compared with developed countries or even the poor, such as Chile, Brazil, China, Iran, and even Namibia. Unfortunately Indonesia defeated in science and technology.

Indonesia must have the courage to develop and cultivate space technology in their own country if you want to be able to compete with developed countries, given Indonesia's human potential is huge and widely spread abroad.