Indonesian Air Force Strengthens Air Defence with Fighter Squadron in Southeast Sulawesi
Kendari (ANTARA) - The Indonesian National Armed Forces Air Force (TNI AU) is strengthening national air defence while modernising its main weapon system equipment (alutsista) by stationing a fighter squadron in the Southeast Sulawesi Province (Sultra) region.
The Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU), Air Marshal TNI M. Tonny Harjono, stated during a meeting in Kendari on Monday that the deployment of this air force capability is planned to be centred at Haluoleo Air Base (Lanud).
“We chose the Sultra region because of its highly strategic position for the Air Force, which can be likened to the gateway to eastern Indonesia,” said Tonny Harjono after attending the Dirgantara Festival event at the former MTQ Kendari site.
He explained that the plan is currently in the preparation and in-depth discussion stage, including the specifications of the latest technology fighter aircraft to be deployed.
In addition to the presence of the fighter squadron, the TNI AU also plans to strengthen the Quick Reaction Force Command unit (Kopasgat) and significantly increase the number of personnel in Southeast Sulawesi.
Air Marshal Tonny emphasised that in developing this capability, the TNI AU is committed to empowering local human resources (SDM). The best sons and daughters of the region will be given priority to join as soldiers and later prioritised to serve back in their home area.
“We want the fighter unit to become more complete in the future, with increased personnel, and the local community to actively participate in serving in the TNI AU,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Sultra, Andi Sumangerukka, expressed his support for the plan. According to him, the development of this air base will have a positive impact on improving regional connectivity.
He hopes that the enhancement of TNI AU base facilities can align with the local government’s efforts to promote the air base to international scale status, thereby opening access for Sultra to the global network.
“The presence of these facilities is expected to open access for Sultra to the outside world, both in terms of defence and air transportation,” said Andi Sumangerukka.
He added that this collaboration is a form of trust from the central government in Sultra’s potential, which is hoped not only to strengthen air sovereignty but also to trigger progress in various other strategic sectors.