ID :
24732
Wed, 10/15/2008 - 21:15
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/24732
The shortlink copeid
TARAKAN AIRBASE CONSTRUCTION EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR
Jakarta, Oct 15 (ANTARA) - Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Subandrio said he hoped the construction of the force's Tarakan airbase in East Kalimantan would be completed this year.
He said the airbase was expected to be completed this year in order to be operated beginning in 2009 to strengthen security at border area between Indonesia and Malaysia.
Speaking to reporters after accompanying National Defense Forces (TNI) Chief Gon Djoko Santoso at a ceremony to see off the XX-F Garuda Contingent to Congo on Wednesday, the Air Force chief said his office and the local administration were in continuous coordination with each other to accelerate the completion of the type-C airport in Tarakan.
"Land clearance for the airbase is still being coordinated and conducted in accordance with available funds. Its runway will probably be extended, although the present condition is enough for military Boeing aircraft to make a landing," Subandrio said.
He said Tarakan airbase was expected to be used by the Indonesian Air Force to monitor security in and around outlying islands.
After its completion, the Air Force would place its jet fighters there in order to make it more efficient, effective, and faster in mobilizing its power if border security disturbance in escalating.
He said Malaysia had an airbase in Tawao and stationed jet fighters there, while the TNI had stationed jet fighters in Balikpapan and Makassar which are quite far away from the Indonesia- Malaysian border.
"We have several types of jet fighters which are going to be used in turns in Tarakan," Subandrio said.
The Indonesian Air Force chief said that since 2007 the Tarakan municipal administration had spent Rp12.5 billion on the clearing of 108 hectares of a 168-hectare plot of land needed for the construction of the airport, and this year the funds were added by around Rp10 billion.
He said the airbase was expected to be completed this year in order to be operated beginning in 2009 to strengthen security at border area between Indonesia and Malaysia.
Speaking to reporters after accompanying National Defense Forces (TNI) Chief Gon Djoko Santoso at a ceremony to see off the XX-F Garuda Contingent to Congo on Wednesday, the Air Force chief said his office and the local administration were in continuous coordination with each other to accelerate the completion of the type-C airport in Tarakan.
"Land clearance for the airbase is still being coordinated and conducted in accordance with available funds. Its runway will probably be extended, although the present condition is enough for military Boeing aircraft to make a landing," Subandrio said.
He said Tarakan airbase was expected to be used by the Indonesian Air Force to monitor security in and around outlying islands.
After its completion, the Air Force would place its jet fighters there in order to make it more efficient, effective, and faster in mobilizing its power if border security disturbance in escalating.
He said Malaysia had an airbase in Tawao and stationed jet fighters there, while the TNI had stationed jet fighters in Balikpapan and Makassar which are quite far away from the Indonesia- Malaysian border.
"We have several types of jet fighters which are going to be used in turns in Tarakan," Subandrio said.
The Indonesian Air Force chief said that since 2007 the Tarakan municipal administration had spent Rp12.5 billion on the clearing of 108 hectares of a 168-hectare plot of land needed for the construction of the airport, and this year the funds were added by around Rp10 billion.
