When Will Kertajati Become a Hercules Maintenance Facility for the US? Defence Ministry Explains

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that the construction of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for C-130 Hercules aircraft at Kertajati Airport in Majalengka Regency, West Java, is still in the planning stage. This confirms there is no set deadline for when construction will commence.

‘The government is still in the planning and concept finalisation stage for developing the national aerospace ecosystem in the Kertajati area, including phased development of MRO facilities for both commercial and military use,’ said Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defence’s Secretariat General, when questioned by Antara in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Rico stated the MoD must consider various factors before commencing MRO construction, including technical aspects of the cooperation agreement, facility construction details, and the management model.

He added that all aspects must be considered to ensure the MRO’s operations align with national interests. Additionally, the construction and operation of the facility must involve domestic defence industry participation. This, he said, would stimulate the national economy and enhance the quality of domestic defence products.