‘Proof needed’ to justify buying, not leasing, of airplane

Critics of the government’s plan to purchase a private airplane for presidential visits say that if it was really cheaper to buy than to lease, the government should publicly disclose the comparative costs.

The plan has come under criticism following recent procurements that some have called excessive, especially in the current economic climate.

The airplane the government said it wants to procure is said to incur a Rp 200 billion down payment.

The government claims that buying an aircraft will be less costly than renting one each time the President travels.

Currently, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his extensive entourage fly on a jet leased from national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia.

“Where are the calculations? How much does the government pay to lease from Garuda for five years compared to buying a new airplane. How much does maintenance cost? And what about depreciation?” Sari, an office worker in South Jakarta, told The Jakarta Post in response to the plan.