Indonesian Air Force Moves Four Air Squadrons From Halim Perdanakusuma To Husein Sastranegara Air Base

Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Marshal TNI Fadjar Prasetyo/ANTARA

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Air Force will move four air squadrons to Soekarno-Hatta Airport and Husein Sastranegara Air Base, Bandung, West Java because the Air Base and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport will be revitalized.

"Halim Airport will be closed starting January 1, 2022. This is an order from Mr. President Jokowi because Mr. President feels that the runway is rough," said Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Marshal TNI Fadjar Prasetyo as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, December 22.

According to the KSAU, President Jokowi ordered to revitalize the runway, especially the runway because it is already old. The soil around Halim is said to be slightly weathered.

"I don't understand the land, but what is clear is that there is a decline, there is some kind of groundwater and others. As a result, the runway has approached the land threshold. Actually we found out almost two years ago," he said.

In addition, according to the KSAU, President Jokowi ordered a complete overhaul. With these improvements, the runway can be used for the next 20 years.

The plan is also to expand the apron for the military, including the renovation of the VIP building and the TNI AU terminal

According to Marshal Fadjar, the units at Halim Air Base will be temporarily moved to Soekarno-Hatta Airport and Husein Sastranegara Air Base.

"First, Air Squadron 17 for VVIP aircraft will be placed at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, because for the activities of the president and vice president. Space will be given at Soetta. The terminal is through a special terminal prepared by Angkasa Pura II," he said.

For Air Squadron 2 CN-295 and Air Squadron 31 hercules aircraft and Engineering Air Squadron 021 will be moved to Husein Sastranegara Air Base, Bandung.

"The planes that were transferred were ready to fly. The Engineering Squadron was moved for maintenance because of the short distance, and also the facilities there were sufficient to accommodate flight operations including accommodation," said Marshal Fadjar.

The revitalization planned by the Ministry of Transportation has gone through intensive discussion and joint coordination between related agencies or institutions, such as the Indonesian Air Force, Ministry of Defense, and Angkasa Pura.