Letter: EU ban: Colonial mind-set

Tue, 09/09/2008 10:17 AM | Reader's Forum

I want to react to the article "EU ban: Colonial mindset" by retired Air Chief Marshall Chappy Hakim in The Jakarta Post, Aug. 25, p. 6.

First, he mentions accidents. He said the accidents which have occurred in the last five years exceeded acceptable standards.

I have never heard of acceptable standards in aviation anywhere in the world. Of course, I know Indonesia's aviation is in a bad way and I also know the government has taken measures to improve the situation.

But first the aviation industry has to learn all the ins-and-outs of training, oversight, discipline and checking.

I will give an example of what it's like to fly with an Indonesian airline. A week ago I wanted to visit an old friend in Surabaya. The landing there was very rough and the plane was skidding from left to right. OK, that can happen.

Three days later I returned to Lombok. The plane was supposed to leave Surabaya at 18.50. Checking in, I saw there was a delay until 20.30. OK, that can happen, too. To my surprise the delays went on and on. Not only for me but also for all the people traveling to Makassar, Banjarmasin and so on. I spoke with several people in the waiting room. They were very calm, saying there were always delays and they were already used to it.

I have to say, in international aviation, delays are not common at all. Plus, here, nobody even notifies you, you have to check the time yourself.

Another thing, there's an international rule that the pilot stops the plane first on the runway before taking off. Not this time. Maybe that is common, too. And the plane crew didn't check properly if everybody had their belts on.

Once we landed in Mataram, the plane stood waiting on the runway until it could taxi to the gate. Everybody was already out of their seats, taken down their luggage. It took the crew five minutes to get back in control and get the passengers back in their seats.

Believe me, I have more stories for you. So don't fear for the pride of Indonesia and don't feel like you're a marionette dangled by the European Union. They want to help and they want safety for everybody.

It is all about discipline, discipline and, again, discipline. Take the help offered and feel ashamed you need to accept it.

HERMA
Senggigi, West Nusa Tenggara

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