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.