Rare flyby startles VIPs

BANDUNG: A rare maneuver by an old military transport Hercules airplane startled attendants at the ceremony of the anniversary of the West Java Military Command here Wednesday.

The U.S.-made Hercules C-130, piloted by Capt. Jeffrey flew at an altitude of only 10 meters in front of the VIP podium.

West Java Military Commander Maj. Gen. Tayo Tarmadi, who stepped down from the podium to congratulate 51 parachutists, was perplexed by the scene.

Things returned to normal when the audience applauded the Hercules which ascended again.

The Siliwangi (West Java) Military Command celebrated its 50th anniversary in a ceremony led by Tayo.

Tayo read a written address by the Army Chief of Staff Gen. Hartono. (ahy/sur)