ASEAN 42nd Summit, Indonesian Air Force Prepares 2 Weather Modification Aircraft

JAKARTA - The Air Force Headquarters alerted two units of C212 aircraft to carry out weather modification technology to support the implementation of the 42nd ASEAN Summit whose peaks began to be held in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, NTT. "So, in addition to the Hercules fighter and aircraft, we also prepared two aircraft units for weather modification," said National Air Operations Command Commander Marshal TNI M. Tonny Harjono to reporters at El Tari Kupang Air Base, Tuesday 9 May. This was conveyed by Marsdya Tonny Harjono when welcoming the arrival of three units of combat aircraft belonging to the TNI AU type F-16 that arrived at El Tari Kupang Air Base in the context of securing the ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo. He said that the two C212 aircraft units are now on standby at Tambolaka Airport, Southwest Sumba Regency, to observe the weather in the surrounding area. "The implementation of TMC (weather modification technology) aims so that the activities of the ASEAN Summit are not hampered due to weather changes," he added. Tonny added that the presence of the Indonesian Air Force is not only in securing airspace, but also for other things, one of which is weather modification. He also hopes that the implementation of the ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo can run safely and peacefully as well as no any disturbance.

Marsdya Tonny also hopes that the people in Labuan Bajo and its surroundings will maintain security and order in the area. "This is an international activity so let's make this ASEAN Summit a success, and take care of it together so that it runs safely and smoothly," he said.