Helicopters to be Used as Alternative Transportation in Major Cities
Minister of Transportation Budi K. Sumadi at the 2018 Rotary Wing Indonesia Conference, Jakarta, Wednesday (26/9). Photo by: BKPI, Ministry of Transportation)
Ministry of Transportation will promote helicopter as a mode of transport in major cities with traffic congestion across the country.
For now, we are focusing on Jakarta, considering severe traffic in the city. It is our priority to make Jakarta a model city. Afterwards, we will implement it to other cities when the project in Jakarta meets the aspects of good governance and safety, Minister of Transportation Budi K. Sumadi said after the 2018 Rotary Wing Indonesia Conference in Jakarta, on Wednesday (26/9).
Budi added that helicopter would also be used to serve interisland flights in the islands of Java, Kalimantan, and Papua. He added that several routes would be tested and the Ministry will ensure safety aspect of the routes beforehand.
In the meantime, President Director of air navigation firm Airnav Indonesia Novie Riyanto said that further provisions on helicopter operations in urban areas would be regulated. (The provisions) cover operational aspect, certification, routes, flying conditions, and safety precautions in the event of severe weather. All of them will be strictly regulated, Novie said, adding that there are prevailing regulations on helicopter operational aspects but it should be adjusted to the current condition.
Regarding tools and equipment needed to fly helicopters, Novie said that they are ready to operate. (Ministry of Transportations PR Division/ES) (RAS/EP/Naster)
