President Jokowi Witnesses Handover of Advanced C-130J-30 Super Hercules Aircraft to Indonesian Air Force

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) presided over the symbolic handover ceremony of a state-of-the-art C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft from the Defense Ministry to the Indonesian Air Force. The event took place at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Wednesday, signifying a significant enhancement to Indonesia’s air defense capabilities.

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto personally handed over the advanced aircraft to the Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo, in the presence of President Jokowi. The C-130J-30 Super Hercules is a crucial addition to Indonesia’s transport fleet, designed to serve both military and civilian purposes.

President Jokowi highlighted the aircraft’s versatility, emphasizing its suitability for Indonesia’s geographical landscape, which includes several short runways. “Some airports only have a short runway. This Super Hercules can land on a short runway, and it can also fly for 11 hours non-stop,” remarked President Jokowi during the ceremony.

The Defense Ministry’s procurement program involves five C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft to reinforce the Indonesian Air Force’s transport capabilities. The aircraft, with tail number A-1344, arrived at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base on January 22 after a ferry flight from the Lockheed Martin Global factory in Marietta, Georgia, United States.

Lt. Col. Alfonsus Fatma Astara Duta, Commander of Air Squadron 31, led the aircraft’s ferry flight to Indonesia. The Defense Ministry has finalized a comprehensive program, including spare parts, ground support, and training initiatives for 58 personnel, consisting of 12 pilots, 40 technicians, and six load masters.

The C-130J-30 Super Hercules, equipped with glass cockpit technology and a Rolls-Royce AR2100D3 Turboprop engine, represents the pinnacle of aviation advancements in its class. With a maximum take-off weight of 164,000 lbs, the aircraft surpasses its predecessor, the C-130-H, with a take-off weight of 155,000 lbs.

In addition to the C-130J-30 handover, Defense Minister Subianto symbolically presented the refurbished Fennec helicopter and its spare parts to the Indonesian Army, received by Army Chief of Staff, General Maruli Simanjuntak. Subsequently, he handed over refurbished critical spare parts of the US Panther helicopter 565 MBE to the Indonesian Navy, received by Naval Chief of Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities through strategic acquisitions and technological advancements.