Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Defense Ministry confirmed plans to develop Kertajati Airport in West Java as a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) fighter jets.
The ministry’s spokesperson Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait stated that the initiative aims to build national self-reliance in military aircraft maintenance utilizing domestic human resources.
“Kertajati will be developed to strengthen the TNI AU’s aircraft maintenance capabilities, extending beyond transport aircraft like the Hercules to gradually support fighter jets,” Sirait said on Wednesday.
He noted that establishing domestic MRO infrastructure will reduce dependency on foreign entities for technology updates, while driving technology transfer to enhance Indonesia’s primary weapon systems and defense sector standards.
While Kertajati Airport is being prepared as an MRO facility for C-130 Hercules transport aircraft serving the Asian region, specific operational schemes and fighter aircraft models for future phases remain under evaluation.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin expressed optimism regarding the plan, highlighting the domestic aerospace industry’s technical readiness.
He cited PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia Tbk’s (GMF) successful execution of heavy maintenance on Hercules aircraft alongside state-backed aerospace manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) as proof of rising local expertise.
“We are striving to enhance the development of this defense force by utilizing the capabilities of our own technical staff,” Sjamsoeddin said.
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Translator: Walda Marison, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Arie Novarina
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