Defense Minister Hands Over Two Military Planes to TNI

President Jokowi witnesses the handover of C-130J-30 Super Hercules A-1339 and A-1315, at Halim Perdanakusuma, Air force base, Jakarta, Wednesday (03/08). (Photo by: PR/Jay)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (03/08) witnessed the handover of C-130J-30 Super Hercules A-1339 and C-130H A-1315 military airplanes by Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto to Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Yudo Margono.

“These are state of the art airplanes. I was told they can carry 98 fully-equipped paratroopers or 128 troops or equal to 19.9 tons,” the President said at Halim Perdanakusuma Airforce Base in East Jakarta.

With such a large carrying capacity, the planes, President Jokowi said, are expected to be used for various operations.

“They are good for military and non-military operations, for example when a natural disaster strikes. They can reach all regions of Indonesia since Super Hercules can fly for 11 hours,” he added.

President Jokowi added that the Government continues to strive to fulfill the country’s minimum essential forces.

“Everything will be adjusted according to our budget. Nevertheless, we want to try to fulfill it,” he said.

In the meantime, Prabowo said that all the repairs for the airplanes would be carried out in Indonesia.

“The MRO—maintenance repair overhaul—will be carried out in Indonesia,” Prabowo said.

For the record, the airplanes are two of five airplanes that the Government has ordered from the US. The other four airplanes are set to be received in June, July, and October 2023 and January 2024. (TGH/UN) (GWH/EP)