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New helicopter purchase postponed, not cancelled: TNI chief
Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen
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Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo (center) shares a joke with Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution (left) and Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Panjaitan prior to a limited Cabinet meeting on the TNI's primary weaponry systems, at the Presidential Office on Thursday. (Antara/Widodo S. Jusuf) (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo (center) shares a joke with Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution (left) and Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Panjaitan prior to a limited Cabinet meeting on the TNI's primary weaponry systems, at the Presidential Office on Thursday. (Antara/Widodo S. Jusuf)
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span class="caption">Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo (center) shares a joke with Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution (left) and Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Panjaitan prior to a limited Cabinet meeting on the TNI's primary weaponry systems, at the Presidential Office on Thursday. (Antara/Widodo S. Jusuf)
Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo has said that the purchase of a new helicopter has been postponed on the back of Indonesia's current economic situation, contrary to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's order to cancel the purchase.
Gatot said on Friday that the plan to purchase an AW-101 advanced helicopter from Rome-based helicopter design and manufacturing company AgustaWestland had been included in the Air Force's five-year strategic plan for 2015 to 2019.
"So let me explain, it's not cancelled. For helicopters there are some alternatives. There is AW [AgustaWestland] and Super Puma," he said at Halim Perdanakusuma airport as reported by Antara news agency.
Gatot noted Jokowi's consideration of not purchasing a new helicopter given the nation's slowing economy. Especially, he said, as the Super Puma helicopter currently used by Jokowi and Vice President Jusuf Kalla was still in good condition.
"The current helicopter is still feasible, so the President suggested postponing [the purchase] because there is an impression that a [new] helicopter is expensive and lavish and can only be used by VVIPs," he said.
Jokowi earlier rejected a plan to buy a new AW101 helicopter with a price tag of US$55 million. Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said on Thursday that Jokowi had decided to invalidate the purchase.
Jokowi also said he intended to continue using the existing Super Puma helicopter, which has been used for the past 25 years. The age of the Super Puma was a consideration of the Air Force in buying a new helicopter.
Gatot said the TNI would follow President's instruction as the highest TNI commander. "There is no need to discuss it anymore," he said.
Previously the Air Force announced that it would buy three AW101 helicopters as part of its primary weaponry systems rejuvenation. AW101 were deemed safe to be used by VVIPs such as the President, Vice President and state guests. (rin)(+)
