Flying high in Jakarta

Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Notions that most African countries are poor, or less-developed Asian countries, like Myanmar or Cambodia, have no money to develop their countries would seem to be wrong, at least if the lines of jets parked at Halim Perdanakusumah airport in East Jakarta are anything to go by.

Dozens of either Boeing or Airbus jets are parked in the eastern part of the airport under heavy security provided by the Presidential Guard, the Indonesian Air Force, and airport personnel.

First Lieutenant Aswien, an officer based at the airport, said that all the presidents that landed at Halim Perdanakusumah had traveled by jet, and most of the planes were waiting in the airport to take them home again.

"Several planes flew home immediately and will come back later to pick up delegates, but most will be staying here at least until Monday," he told The Jakarta Post.

From a brief inspection, there would seem to be little difference between the jets belonging to the rich countries and those of the poorer countries.

Several presidents of African countries, such as Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Tanzania, used Boeings while other African leaders, including those of Algeria and Sudan, traveled to Jakarta on Airbuses.

Less-developed Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia, preferred Airbuses while others, including Nepal and Iran, used Boeings.

Besides planes the from the less-developed countries, two planes with Japanese flags, and one each with Chinese and Malaysian flags were also seen among the planes.