Aeronautical R&D cooperation with RI possible: Mahathir

Aeronautical R&D cooperation with RI possible: Mahathir

Anissa S. Febrina, The Jakarta Post/Langkawi, Malaysia

With Indonesia currently experiencing a glut of aeronautical
engineers, long-time partner Malaysia has offered cooperation in
the research and development side of the industry.

"We understand that the current economic situation in
Indonesia does not allow it to further develop its own aviation
industry," former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said
on Friday.

"However, there are already a lot of good engineers there and
Malaysia is looking into building cooperation in that sector."

Speaking on the sidelines of the Langkawi International
Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition, Mahathir expressed his
views about the importance of the industry for the future of any
nation.

Indonesia's aviation industry had its heyday with the
establishment of state aircraft maker IPTN, now PT Dirgantara
Indonesia (DI), which jointly produced several types of small
aircraft. But since the 1997 crisis, the firm has disappeared
from the limelight.

PT DI even had to lay off about 6,000 employees due to
financial constraints

Indonesia held its biggest aviation exhibition in 1986 in
Jakarta.

The LIMA biennale exhibition kicked off on Dec. 6, with a
spectacular aerial display. The event showcases cutting-edge
aerospace, naval and maritime hardware. It was initiated by the
former prime minister in 1993.

The six-day exhibition comprises two parts: the Aerospace
Exhibition at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Center (MIEC)
and the Maritime Exhibition at Tanjung Malai.

The last LIMA exhibition generated business totaling US$575
million based on 30 contracts, letters of offer and memorandums
of understanding.