SBY expresses sympathy to Fokker victims: VP
Bagus BT Saragih, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | National | Thu, June 21 2012, 9:27 PM
From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono sent his condolences and deep sympathy to the victims of the Fokker F27 crash and to their families, Vice President Boediono said on Thursday.
“The President, who is now overseas, has been informed [about the incident]. He has also provided directives. The President and I, on behalf of the government, express our deep condolences,” Boediono told a press conference at his official residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta.
At the time of the crash, Yudhoyono was in Rio de Janeiro to attend the United Nations' Conference on Sustainable Development, known as the Rio+20 Earth Summit.
The Fokker F27, belonging to the Indonesian Air Force’s 2nd Squadron medium transport, crashed into the Rajawali housing complex inside the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force compound on Thursday afternoon.
As many as 10 people, comprising all seven crew and three people on the ground, died in the crash.
Also attending the press conference was the Indonesian Air Force deputy chief of staff, Vice Marshal Dede Rusamsi. He said the aircraft, with tail number A-2708, entered service in 1977 and had clocked 14,936 of flying hours.
He insisted the aircraft was airworthy although there was a plan to replace the Dutch-made aircraft with the Airbus Military C295, in collaboration with state-owned aircraft manufacturer, PT Dirgantara Indonesia. (nvn)
