Comment: RI’s ‘Air Force One’ set to fly in 2013

Feb. 9, Online

The American-based company, Boeing, has officially handed over a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 2 aircraft to the Indonesian government to use as a presidential aircraft, an official says.

The aircraft is expected to be ready to fly President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his aides from August, 2013, pending the completion of its cabin interior and self-defense system, the State Secretariat secretary Lambock V. Nahattands, told a press conference on Thursday.

“We have also asked Boeing to install five auxiliary fuel tanks. With six tanks, the aircraft can fly up to 12 hours non-stop,” Lambock said.

Your comments:

It is a waste of money that Indonesia cannot afford. According to experts, the plane is too large to land at most small airports in Indonesia and too small for long-distance overseas travel.

If the Emperor of Japan and President of China don’t need their own personal planes, why does Indonesia? Think of all the schools and health centers that could be funded with this money.

Walter John Gomm
Denpasar