Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Witnessing the Handover of C-130J-30 Super Hercules A-1339 and A-1315, at Halim Perdanakusuma Airforce Base, East Jakarta, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, March 8, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, this is C-130J-30 Super Hercules, which we just received this morning 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. It means 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.

We ordered five airplanes. Minister of Defense said that apart the one that just arrived today, the other four are set to be received in June, July, and October 2023 and January 2024. There will be five airplanes coming to our country. That concludes my statement.

Journalist
Sir, this is still far from Indonesia’s Minimum Essential Force target of 2024, is there any…

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes. Everything will be adjusted according to our budget. Nevertheless, we want to try to fulfill it.

Journalist
Will there be any more additions?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Minister of Defense?

Minister of Defense (Prabowo Subianto)
Sure.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
If he said so, it must be certain.

Minister of Defense (Prabowo Subianto)

I think this is the biggest support from the administration of President Joko Widodo in the defense history. But he must have a priority since we just got hit by COVID-19, which is very dangerous. So, he prioritized to ensure the people’s safety first.

Journalist
What are the technological properties of the Hercules, sir?

Minister of Defense (Prabowo Subianto)
The MRO—maintenance, repair, and overhaul— will be carried out in Indonesia. As with the second airplane, the procedure has been implemented, that includes overhaul, replacing the difficult wing box sensor. This is the first time we have done it in Indonesia.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Everything will be done by GMF of Garuda Indonesia. Thank you.

(GWH/EP)