Super Hercules Purchase: Rejuvenation Of Alutsista Is Mandatory, But Don't Forget The Welfare Of Soldiers

JAKARTA The purchase of the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, according to military and intelligence observer Susaningtyas Nefo Handayani Kertopati, is the right step. If the budget is available, all TNI defense equipment must indeed be rejuvenated.

Purchase of defense equipment can certainly support the development of the TNI's strength in realizing the national goals stated in the mandate of the 1945 Constitution, protecting all Indonesians and all of Indonesia's bloodshed. Also, participate in implementing world order.

With the Super Hercules aircraft, the performance of the Indonesian Air Force in terms of defense and security can be more optimal. It can function for military or non-military operations, including in natural disaster activities.

The aircraft is classified as the latest type. It has a more sophisticated plot with a fully integrated digital aviation avionic system than the previous series. It is capable of transporting 128 combat troops, 92 parachuting troops, and has a cargo capacity of up to 20 tons. Also, being able to take off and land briefly on a short runway.

"Of course it can really support the operation of the Indonesian Air Force, including in natural disaster activities," Nuning said, Susaningtyas' nickname to VOI on March 10, 2023.

"Indeed, it must continue to be rejuvenated. Every aircraft incident has an age limit, if it is too old, don't use it again, sorry for the flight crew. This includes fighter aircraft," he added.

Nuning also welcomed the steps taken by the Minister of Defense which would increase the number of fighter aircraft. Thus, Indonesia can better monitor the airspace and areas below it.

For warplanes, the Indonesian Air Force's title pattern prioritizes the front areas such as Natuna, Tarakan, Morotai, Biak, Merauke, and Kupang to EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone),

Even so, not only defense equipment, health and education of TNI soldiers must also receive attention. Both military education and formal education.

According to Nuning, education and experience can affect the way a soldier makes decisions. This is very important, especially for officers.

Especially in today's era. We must be ready to have a strategy determination in the face of various threats, such as tensions in Asia Pacific, AUKUS, and the threat of war in the South China Sea region. Not only conventional war, but also modern war, nubika war (nuclear, biological, and kima), and cyber warfare," he added.

Indonesia plays a central and strategic role in the Asia Pacific region. Located in the position of a crossroads between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, and flanked by the Asian and Australian continents. If 40 percent of the world's trade routes pass through Indonesian waters, either through the Malacca Strait, Sunda Strait, Lombok Strait, and Makassar Strait

Apart from being in a strategic position, Indonesia also has abundant natural resources on land and sea. This is a privilege as well as a threat.

Because on the other hand, Indonesia is also in the midst of tensions between two major powers in fighting for influence in the Indo Pacific region. China in the north and AUKUS in the south. AUKUS is a trilateral security pact between Australia, Britain and the United States.

The impact will have a major impact on the country if the tension between the two forces escalates. That is why, said Suwarti Sari in the book "Indonesian Defense Strategy Facing the Shift in the United States Strategy in Asia Pacific", Indonesia needs a qualified national security system to protect and maintain national interests, by using political, economic, and military forces.

"Some important steps in organizing national security include using diplomacy to raise allies and isolate threats, structuring effective armed forces, implementing the concept of civil defense, and preparedness in dealing with emergency situations," he wrote.

However, military policy is the most important component of national security policy because security in the military sector implies the ability of a nation to defend itself and/or hinder military aggression.

Defense planning with the aim of creating peace must be carried out with readiness to face war. So far, discussions about defense planning have often focused on crisis situations and ignoring peaceful or normal situations.

As is known, the Ministry of Defense has ordered five units of Super Hercules C-130J aircraft from Lockheed Martin Aerospace from the United States. One unit has been sent and handed over to the TNI Commander on March 8, 2023.

The remaining four units will be sent regularly in June, July, and October 2023, January 2024.

In addition, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto will also bring in French Rafale fighter aircraft, as well as modernize existing fighter aircraft to strengthen Indonesia's defense.

"This is a must for the sake of defense, we are also negotiating to add other planes," Prabowo said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, after the handover ceremony for the Super Hercules C-130J aircraft.

Indonesia, according to dataFlight Global, which was reported by the Indonesian Data, has 489 active military aircraft in 2021. All military aircraft are divided into three TNI dimensions, both the Air Force (AU), the Army (AD), and the Navy (AL).

In detail, the Indonesian Air Force has 288 active military aircraft. It consists of 98 training planes or helicopters, 79 fighter aircraft, 56 fighter helicopters, and 48 transport aircraft, six special mission aircraft, and one tanker.

The Indonesian Army has 151 active military aircraft. Consisting of 120 fighter helicopters, 23 training planes or helicopters, and eight transport aircraft.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Navy has 50 active military aircraft. A total of 24 of them are combat helicopters, 11 special mission aircraft, 10 transport aircraft, and five training planes or helicopters.