Sukhoi Fighter Plane Becomes TNI’s 58th Anniversary Gift in Today’s Memory, October 5, 2003

Russian-made fighter Sukhoi is owned by Indonesia. (Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA – Today's memory, 20 years ago, October 5, 2003, the Indonesian government made four Russian-made Sukhoi aircraft as gifts for the Indonesian National Army (TNI)'s 58th anniversary. The Sukhoi fighter aircraft include two Sukhoi Su-27 SK types and two Su-30 MK jets.

Previously, Indonesia was attracted to Sukhoi fighter aircraft in the 1990s. Everything changes when a monetary crisis occurs. This wish was only realized when Indonesia was led by Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Maintenance and improvement of defense equipment cannot be taken lightly. Because defense equipment is an important part that will support the professionalism of TNI soldiers. In the Air Force (AU), for example. The presence of new defense equipment is urgently needed.

Moreover, no one can predict when war will start. The New Order government also had plans to add defense equipment in the form of Sukhoi aircraft in the 1990s. This desire was perpetuated because Indonesia was being embargoed by the United States (US).

However, the purchase of the Sukhoi aircraft never occurred. Instead of paying, Indonesia was hit by a critical monetary storm in the 1997-1998 era. This condition forced the existing government to step down.

The Sukhoi SU-30MKK fighter aircraft stationed at Hasanuddin Air Base, Makassar to strengthen the Indonesian Air Force's Squadron 11 is undergoing maintenance at Iswahjudi Air Base, Madiun on September 4, 2018. (Antara/Siswowidodo)

The desire to buy a Sukhoi was not realized. However, President Megawati's government changed everything. Soekarno's son was not afraid to open contact and cooperate with Russia. Because, his father was known to be close to the leader of Russia, which was formerly known as the Soviet Union.

The official trip to Russia was continued. Megawati used this trip to establish various collaborations and purchase defense equipment in April 2003. As a result, Russia and Indonesia agreed to carry out cooperation and perpetuate transactions reaching 192 million US dollars.

Indonesia also bought four Sukhoi fighter planes from Russia. Afterwards, Indonesia also brought in pilots and technicians to learn the ins and outs of Sukhoi aircraft.

"However, at the start of the transaction, Indonesia will pay 12.5 percent, which is around 26 million US dollars. According to various Russian reports, this transaction will be paid off within 18 months. "The four aircraft are ready to be sent to Indonesia and will arrive in September 2003. To prepare for the purchase, the Indonesian Air Force has trained 14 Sukhoi pilots and 26 Sukhoi aircraft technicians."

"In July 2003, they are scheduled to be proficient in flying and maintaining Russian planes and helicopters. "Several reports also stated that among the transactions worth 192 million US dollars, Russia will export metals, chemicals and fertilizers worth 30.7 million US dollars," explained Henny Saptatia in the book Megawati in Journalists' Notes: Not Ordinary Darling Media (2017).

The Indonesian Air Force's Sukhoi SU-30MKK is refueling in the air from a Hercules C-130 tanker aircraft. (TNU AU Center)

The four Sukhoi aircraft were successfully brought to Indonesia. The Indonesian government deliberately introduced the Sukhoi as a gift for the 58th TNI anniversary. The shoot of Ulam's love arrives. The four aircraft were introduced at the Eastern Regional Command Headquarters in Surabaya on October 5, 2003.

The Sukhoi aircraft attraction exhibition also added to the excitement of the TNI anniversary event. The Indonesian Air Force pilot skillfully flew and performed maneuvers that attracted attention and admiration. Therefore, the Sukhoi succeeded in becoming a valuable TNI anniversary gift. Even though the purchase has pros and cons.

"Before the end of Megawati's presidency, the contract to purchase Sukhoi 30K aircraft had been realized by the Air Force. The 58th anniversary gift for the TNI on October 5, 2003 was in the form of two Sukhoi type Su-27 SK fighter jets and two Su-30 MK jets worth 171 million US dollars as well as two Mi-35P type attack helicopters worth 21.9 million US dollars. or a total value of more than IDR 1.7 trillion."

"During the visit to Russia to finalize the contract, Megawati's youngest daughter and her only child with Taufiq Kiemas, namely Puan Maharani, participated. "This then strengthens speculation that Puan Maharani or her husband, Hapsoro alias Happy, also enjoyed a commission of IDR 426.4 billion from the contract signed in Moscow on April 24, 2003," said George Junus Aditjondro in the book Presidential Corruption (2006).