Sophisticated technology

Sophisticated technology

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Minister of Research and
Technology B.J. Habibie says Indonesia is among only eight
countries in the world currently developing sophisticated
aviation technology.

"Only eight of 200 countries are capable of developing
aircraft technology such as the 'Gatot Kaca,'" Habibie was quoted
by Antara as saying here Saturday. "Indonesia is the only Asian
country with this technological ability, while the other
countries are in Europe and the United States."

He pointed out that even until the year 3000 the technology
needed to build an aircraft would still be classified as
"sophisticated."

Also considered sophisticated, he said, was satellite
technology, and both these technologies must therefore be
mastered.

"Several years ago, the technology applied in the building of
cars and computers was considered sophisticated. But as many
countries now have the skills to build them, such technology has
become commonplace," he said. (swe)