Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam
Singapore's role in helping to control air traffic in parts of Riau Islands province will be handed over to Indonesia beginning next year, according to an official.
The head of Hang Nadim Airport in Batam, Razali Abubakar, said Singapore has been helping Indonesia control both civilian and military air traffic in parts of Riau Islands for the past 45 years.
Singapore helps control air traffic in three zones.
Zone A includes air traffic from over Batam Island to Singapore. Zone B covers Tanjung Pinang and the Karimun Islands, and Zone C air traffic over Natuna Island.
He said Singapore gives instructions to aircraft landing or taking off in the three zones, as well as communicating with aircraft passing through the zones.
""Indonesia at that time did not have the technology or human resources (to manage air traffic in some parts of Riau Islands). So we entrusted Singapore to help us.
""Now it's about time for us to take over since our technology and human resources are ready,"" Razali told The Jakarta Post.
He said Singapore's aviation authority currently had full authority to manage civilian and military flights in the three zones.
Hang Nadim's air traffic control only provides assistance, he said.
""By 2008, air traffic will be fully managed by Indonesia.
""This is a big step in lessening our dependence on other countries to take care of our business,"" Razali said.
He said the government has been planning the move for sometime.
""A body in charge of controlling air traffic in Indonesia will be set up.
""Once the body is set up, other authorities will no longer have the authority to manage air traffic to prevent overlapping and unwanted problems,"" Razali said.
However, he could not say exactly when the new body would be established.
As Singapore's role in managing air traffic in Riau Islands is phased out, he said, Hang Nadim airport will set up a radar to control civilian flights.
The radar, he said, will help the airport independently control air traffic.
In addition to the radar, the Transportation Ministry will prepare the additional human resources.
""Hang Nadim airport currently does not have the human resources to operate the system,"" Razali said.
