Aeronautical R&D cooperation with RI possible: Mahathir<\/p>\n
Anissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post\/Langkawi, Malaysia<\/p>\n
With Indonesia currently experiencing a glut of aeronautical
\nengineers, long-time partner Malaysia has offered cooperation in
\nthe research and development side of the industry.<\/p>\n
\"We understand that the current economic situation in
\nIndonesia does not allow it to further develop its own aviation
\nindustry,\" former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said
\non Friday.<\/p>\n
\"However, there are already a lot of good engineers there and
\nMalaysia is looking into building cooperation in that sector.\"<\/p>\n
Speaking on the sidelines of the Langkawi International
\nMaritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition, Mahathir expressed his
\nviews about the importance of the industry for the future of any
\nnation.<\/p>\n
Indonesia's aviation industry had its heyday with the
\nestablishment of state aircraft maker IPTN, now PT Dirgantara
\nIndonesia (DI), which jointly produced several types of small
\naircraft. But since the 1997 crisis, the firm has disappeared
\nfrom the limelight.<\/p>\n
PT DI even had to lay off about 6,000 employees due to
\nfinancial constraints<\/p>\n
Indonesia held its biggest aviation exhibition in 1986 in
\nJakarta.<\/p>\n
The LIMA biennale exhibition kicked off on Dec. 6, with a
\nspectacular aerial display. The event showcases cutting-edge
\naerospace, naval and maritime hardware. It was initiated by the
\nformer prime minister in 1993.<\/p>\n
The six-day exhibition comprises two parts: the Aerospace
\nExhibition at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Center (MIEC)
\nand the Maritime Exhibition at Tanjung Malai.<\/p>\n
The last LIMA exhibition generated business totaling US$575
\nmillion based on 30 contracts, letters of offer and memorandums
\nof understanding.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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