Analyst says Hercules MRO at Kertajati must be under Indonesian control
A defence analyst and observer from the Strategic Defence Studies Institute (Keris), Hanif Rahadian, has stated that the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) centre for C-130 Hercules aircraft destined for the Asian region, planned for construction at Kertajati Airport in West Java, must be under Indonesian control.
According to Hanif, this is crucial to ensure the government can fully supervise all MRO activities so they remain aligned with established objectives.
"Indonesia must have full control and command over all activities involving the use of Kertajati Airport, including matters related to granting access permits, use of facilities, movement of foreign personnel, and activities conducted within the MRO area," Hanif said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday.
He assessed that Indonesia, as the host nation, must be the primary authority in managing the facility. Therefore, the Indonesian government and the United States, as the manufacturer of the Hercules aircraft, need to have a clear agreement regarding the scope of cooperation and operational limitations from the outset.
"We must remain the primary authority that determines the rules of engagement and operational boundaries," he remarked.
According to Hanif, clear arrangements will ensure the MRO’s presence delivers optimal benefits for Indonesia’s national interests.
Responding to concerns among some members of the public who believe the MRO development could bring Indonesia too close to the United States, Hanif assessed that the government needs to convey information openly to the public.
"Transparency and public communication are extremely important to prevent misunderstandings regarding the purpose of developing the facility," he said.
Previously, the Ministry of Defence planned to prepare Kertajati Airport in Majalengka Regency, West Java, as a C-130 Hercules MRO centre for the Asian region. The plan emerged after Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.
"During the meeting, there was a plan to prepare the Kertajati Airport area as one of the C-130 Hercules MRO centres. The selection of Kertajati considered the availability of extensive land and adequate aviation support facilities," said Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defence Secretariat General.
Rico assessed the move as strategic because it can strengthen aviation logistics support capabilities and the national defence industry. Additionally, the facility’s presence has the potential to expand cooperation with countries operating Hercules aircraft in the Asian region.
"This step is also in line with efforts to strengthen the independence of the defence industry and national strategic aviation logistics support," Rico stated.
However, the Ministry of Defence has not yet explained in detail the progress or target timeline for the construction of the MRO facility.