Government urged to prepare thoroughly for Kertajati Hercules MRO hub
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Defence analyst and observer from the Strategic Defence Studies Institute (Keris), Hanif Rahadian, has assessed that the government needs to prepare many aspects before operating a planned centre for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of C-130 Hercules aircraft serving the Asian region at Kertajati Airport, West Java.
One of the things that must be prepared is aircraft maintenance facilities comprising a variety of quality equipment such as hangars, workshops, and other maintenance facilities. “Access to transportation to Kertajati Airport must also be continuously strengthened to support the mobility of personnel and logistics, and of course to boost the local economy with more open and easier access,” Hanif said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Beyond facilities, the government, in this case the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU), must prepare quality human resources to support MRO operations. According to Hanif, this must be prepared thoroughly because TNI AU technicians and other civilian workers will be the spearhead of MRO operations.
Furthermore, Hanif assessed that the government must also prepare the domestic defence industry, both state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and private companies, to improve the quality of their products. In doing so, the domestic defence industry is expected to become one of the main suppliers of supporting equipment needed by the Hercules MRO.
By preparing these various aspects, Hanif believes the MRO at Kertajati can operate optimally and have a positive impact on the advancement of the defence industry and the domestic economy.
Previously, the Ministry of Defence stated that the construction of the C-130 Hercules MRO centre for Asia at Kertajati Airport, Majalengka Regency, West Java, is still in the planning stage. This confirms that there is no deadline yet for when the construction will begin.
“In principle, the government is still in the planning and concept maturation stage regarding the development of the national aerospace ecosystem in the Kertajati area, including the phased development of MRO facilities for both commercial and military needs,” said Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defence’s Secretariat General, when confirmed by ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday (26/5).
Rico stated that the Ministry of Defence must consider many aspects before starting the MRO construction process, such as the technicalities of the cooperation agreement, the technical aspects of building the MRO facilities, and the management model to be used. All these aspects, Rico continued, must be considered to ensure that the MRO’s operation aligns with national interests. Additionally, the construction and operation of the MRO must involve the role of the domestic defence industry.