House Commission I: Soewondo Air Base Needs Breakthroughs to Face Strategic Threats
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Commission I, Dave Laksono, stated that Soewondo Air Base in North Sumatra requires breakthrough steps to strengthen its role as a vital part of the national air defence system in facing strategic threats.
“After listening to the briefing on the condition of Soewondo Air Base and the threats and challenges it faces, this requires a bold move,” said Dave Laksono, as per a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.
Dave said that the situation cannot be handled with ordinary approaches.
However, he believes that relevant parties fundamentally already have strategic plans to address these various issues.
“We are confident that the Indonesian National Armed Forces Headquarters (TNI), Air Force Headquarters (AU), and the Ministry of Defence already have plans,” he said.
During a specific working visit to Soewondo Air Base on Wednesday (15/4), House Commission I received direct explanations from the Soewondo Air Base Commander and representatives from the TNI AU Headquarters regarding the steps that have been and will be taken moving forward.
“The Air Base Commander and representatives from the TNI AU Headquarters have conveyed the steps that have been taken and prepared to resolve those challenges,” Dave explained.
He emphasised that strengthening Soewondo Air Base is important given its strategic position in safeguarding national air routes, including flight corridors and the Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ALKI).
“Thus, Soewondo Air Base can become our air fortress, considering the importance of protecting our air routes, both corridors and ALKI, to ensure that from the trade and civil aviation perspectives, everything is kept safe,” he stressed.
In addition to defence aspects, Dave also highlighted issues with TNI assets and land, which are one of the crucial problems, including those at Soewondo Air Base.
He said that the problem had been explained in detail during the meeting.
“Regarding the land issues mentioned earlier, they have been explained, along with the steps that have been taken and what needs to be done in the future to resolve all obstacles,” he stated.
He added that House Commission I has a special working committee (panja) handling TNI asset issues in various regions across Indonesia.
“In addition to holding meetings with the Air Base, House Commission I also has a special panja to discuss TNI assets,” he said.
Dave added that TNI asset issues do not only occur in one region but are spread throughout Indonesia with various problems, such as double recording to control by other parties.
“Why? Because TNI lands are spread across the Archipelago and many have issues, whether double-registered or controlled by outsiders. All of this must be resolved,” he emphasised.